Homes & Gardens

New Open Property Group research found that just 40% of homes in England meet the recommended Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of ‘C’ or above.

The EPC scale is ranked from A-G and is used to measure the efficiency of a property based on the level of its emissions, its potential heat or energy loss and its likely fuel costs.

Currently, 63% of properties in the City of London meet the EPC rating of ‘C’ or above. This is closely following by Salford, which has 58% of properties meeting the recommended energy rating and Peterborough, where 53% of its properties...

Saving money in the home is essential. As costs seem to rise as the years go on, we are all trying to find ways to keep money in our pockets. The best way to save money in the home is through energy efficiency. Here are a few energy saving tips in the home.

By installing solar panels on your home, you will be using less energy for heat, and that will have a positive effect on your bank account. Harnessing the power of solar energy will not only make your home more energy efficient, but home heating and cooling costs will drop. That’s a win/win.

Solar panels...

Trading Standards is urging householders, particularly the elderly and vulnerable, to be on their guard for rogue traders who might try to cash in on the damage caused by recent storms.

At the end of last week and over the weekend Devon, Plymouth, Torbay and Somerset was hit by a series of storms which damaged homes and property.

Now the Heart of the South West Trading Standards Service is urging householders to always reject offers of goods and services from cold callers, which could include people claiming to be tree surgeons or roofers, and other tradespeople who call...

There is a right time to sell your property. The question is when. The timing of your move will be determined by how quickly you can sell your home. The process of selling your home should be painless. However, there are some important considerations you should keep in mind before you sell your property. For example, you need to carefully evaluate your equity, as it is crucial to get the best price possible. If you are upside down on your mortgage, you should consider selling your house before the equity is wiped out.

One of the most important decisions you'll have to make is...