Energy Performance Certificates

Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are to be introduced over the period to 1 October 2008. An EPC will be required on most commercial property on completion of a new building or before an existing building can be sold or let. EPCs are not required on places of worship, temporary buildings or those being sold for demolition. There are also limited exemptions for certain industrial and agricultural buildings with low energy demand.

An EPC will be valid for up to ten years. Failure to provide an EPC when required may make you liable to a civil penalty charge notice.

An EPC looks similar to the energy labels provided on many electrical appliances. It will provide an energy rating for the building from A (best) to G (worst), indicating the energy efficiency of that building. It is accompanied by a report which provides recommendations on using the building more effectively and cost efficient improvements which could improve energy performance.

EPCs can only be prepared by accredited energy assessors who must be members of the Government approved accreditation scheme. Stratton Creber Commercial will be able to prepare EPCs. If you require further information on the EPCs or confirmation of whether they will be required on your property, please contact Paul Stevens in the Plymouth office.

New rating rules

From April 1st, rates have become payable on empty commercial property. Industrial property has a 6-month "holiday" before becoming liable, and office and retail property become liable after 3 months. The rules also allow the District Valuer to deem a property which is being built or refurbished to have been completed, as well as a host of other anti-avoidance measures.

We are now seeing the effect of these new rules on the market, and are ready to offer advice to our clients on how to minimise the impact on the costs of holding vacant property.

New instructions

Exeter office/showroom unit for sale

A modern office and showroom unit in a prominent corner position at Exeter's Matford Park has come to the market. The unit totals 1,780 sq ft on ground and first floors, plus mezzanine storage and seven parking spaces. Click here for PDF details.

Marsh Barton (Exeter) site for sale

Details will be available shortly of a large site on Exeter's Marsh Barton Trading Estate which will be offered by sale of the long leasehold interest.

The property, on Marsh Green Road, comprises a building of around 7,850 sq ft on a corner site of around 0.67 acres. The site was previously owned by Serck Marston and will be formally offered to the market following completion of various works and investigations. Details available from Jonathan Ling: jonathan@sccexeter.co.uk

Okehampton office development

Freehold offices are now being offered in a new development of office units at Exeter Road, Okehampton, ranging from 1,500 to 4,000 sq ft. Construction is due to commence shortly.

Landmark offices in Exeter city centre

One of the best-preserved of the Georgian terraced buildings in Southernhay West, Exeter's prime office location, is being offered by way of lease assignment. While space in the terrace is often available floor-by-floor, 18 Southernhay West is a rare chance to occupy the whole of one of the 5-storey former houses.

At Barnfield Crescent, an exclusive terrace of Georgian buildings overlooking private gardens, a suite on ground and lower ground floors is being offered on behalf of the Royal British Legion. The suite offers 1,232 sq ft with four parking spaces, just off Southernhay. 

Also on the market are offices in a 17th Century building directly overlooking Exeter Cathedral. The offices, which are over three floors, have consent for part use as a flat.

Acquisitions

Stratton Creber Commercial has been instructed by Warrens Bakers, who occupy over 60 retail properties throughout the Westcountry. The Cornwall-based firm is actively looking for new units in Newton Abbot and Bridgwater, and Stratton Creber Commercial are also providing landlord & tenant advice, valuations and rating advice on the whole of the retail and industrial property portfolio across Devon & Cornwall.

Stratton Creber Commercial are also instructed by Scottish & Southern Energy to acquire a large facility in Exeter, to include 12,000 sq ft of offices, 10,000 sq ft of warehouse and open storage land on a site totalling around one acre.

Recent deals

Exeter office letting and investment sale

The Exeter office has been involved in the letting of an 8,481 sq ft new-build office building at Exeter Business Park to Connaught and the subsequent sale of the investment, both of which completed in July. Further details are available from Simon Greenslade.

Major letting at Exeter office development

The first letting at Exeter's Capital Court office development has completed, while a further two deals are in solicitors' hands. NPS Property Services, on behalf of Devon County Council, have taken around 17,000 sq ft at the scheme, which is being built by Cubex.

Exeter Offices

Acting on behalf of Thomas Westcott Chartered Accountants, 9 Southernhay West has been let to VPW Systems. The 5-floor mid-terrace Georgian building provides 2,662 sq ft of offices and has been let off an asking rent of £25,000 per annum exclusive.

Exeter industrial sales

The last of the 13 industrial units at Harrier Court is now under offer. The Harrier Court scheme, near Exeter Airport, was completed in early 2008.

Shop unit let in Exmouth

The completion of a new lease at 53 The Parade, a former estate agency, was effected in July just 5 weeks after the Exeter office was instructed to market the unit. The asking rent of £16,500 per annum was achieved, and the unit was taken by a toy retailer.