A TO Z

A is for the county of Avon and Acre

The acre is a unit of land area used in the imperial and US customary systems. It is traditionally defined as the area of one chain by one furlong (66 by 660 feet), which is exactly equal to 10 square chains, ​¹⁄₆₄₀ of a square mile, or 43,560 square feet, and approximately 4,047 m², or about 40% of a hectare. Based upon the International yard and pound agreement of 1959, an acre may be declared as exactly 4,046.8564224 square metres. One recognised symbol for the acre is ac,^[1] but the word "acre" is also used as the symbol

B Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Brighton and Hove, Bristol and Buckinghamshire

The word building is both a noun and a verb: the structure itself and the act of making it. As a noun, a building is 'a structure that has a roof and walls and stands more or less permanently in one place';^[1] "there was a three-storey building on the corner"; "it was an imposing edifice". In the broadest interpretation a fence or wall is a building.^[2] However, the word structure is used more broadly than building including natural and man-made formations^[3] and does not necessarily have walls. Structure is more likely to be used for a fence. Sturgis' Dictionary included that "[building] differs from architecture in excluding all idea of artistic treatment; and it differs from construction in the idea of excluding scientific or highly skilful treatment."^[4] As a verb, building is the act of construction.
Structural height in technical usage is the height to the highest architectural detail on building from street-level. Depending on how they are classified, spires and masts may or may not be included in this height. Spires and masts used as antennas are not generally included. The definition of a low-rise vs. a high-rise building is a matter of debate, but generally three storeys or less is considered low-rise.^[5]
C is for Cambridgeshire , Cheshire, Cleveland, Cornawll, Cumberland, Cumbria
Conveyancing
In law, conveyancing is the transfer of legal title of real property from one person to another, or the granting of an encumbrance such as a mortgage or a lien.^[1] A typical conveyancing transaction has two major phases: the exchange of contracts (when equitable interests are created) and completion (also called settlement, when legal title passes and equitable rights merge with the legal title).
The sale of land is governed by the laws and practices of the jurisdiction in which the land is located. It is a legal requirement in all jurisdictions that contracts for the sale of land be in writing. An exchange of contracts involves two copies of a contract of sale being signed, one copy of which is retained by each party. When the parties are together, both would usually sign both copies, one copy of which being retained by each party, sometimes with a formal handing over of a copy from one party to the other. However, it is usually sufficient that only the copy retained by each party be signed by the other party only — hence contracts are "exchanged". This rule enables contracts to be "exchanged" by mail. Both copies of the contract of sale become binding only after each party is in possession of a copy of the contract signed by the other party—i.e., the exchange is said to be "complete". An exchange by electronic means is generally insufficient for an exchange, unless the laws of the jurisdiction expressly validate such signatures.
It is the responsibility of the buyer of real property to ensure that he or she obtains a good and marketable title to the land—i.e., that the seller is the owner, has the right to sell the property, and there is no factor which would impede a mortgage or re-sale. Some jurisdictions have legislated some protections for the buyer, besides the ability for the buyer to do searches relating to the property.
A system of conveyancing is usually designed to ensure that the buyer secures title to the land together with all the rights that run with the land, and is notified of any restrictions in advance of purchase. Many jurisdictions have adopted a system of land registration to facilitate conveyancing and encourage reliance on public records and assure purchasers of land that they are taking good title
D is for Derbyshire, Devon and Dorset

Development of real estate

 is a business process, encompassing activities that range from the renovation and re-lease of existing buildings to the purchase of raw land and the sale of developed land or parcels to others. Real estate developers are the people and companies who coordinate all of these activities, converting ideas from paper to real property.^[1] Real estate development is different from construction, although many developers also manage the construction process.
Developers buy land, finance real estate deals, build or have builders build projects, create, imagine, control, and orchestrate the process of development from the beginning to end.^[2] Developers usually take the greatest risk in the creation or renovation of real estate—and receive the greatest rewards. Typically, developers purchase a tract of land, determine the marketing of the property, develop the building program and design, obtain the necessary public approval and financing, build the structures, and rent out, manage, and ultimately sell it.^[1]
Sometimes property developers will only undertake part of the process. For example, some developers source a property and get the plans and permits approved before selling the property with the plans and permits to a builder at a premium price. Alternatively, a developer that is also a builder may purchase a property with the plans and permits in place so that they do not have the risk of failing to obtain planning approval and can start construction on the development immediately.
Developers work with many different counterparts along each step of this process, including architects, city planners, engineers, surveyors, inspectors, contractors, lawyers, leasing agents, etc. In the Town and Country Planning context in the United Kingdom, 'development' is defined in the Town and Country Planning Act 1990

E is for East Sussex, Essex and East Suffolk

EPC Energy performance certificate

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) provides potential buyers and tenants with an indication of the energy efficiency of a property. The certificate will contain information about the property's typical energy costs and will recommend ways to reduce energy use to make the property more energy efficient.

G is for Gloucestershire, Greater London, Greater Manchester

Ground survey

Ground surveys are a preliminary first step in gathering critical information that can be used in developing a pipeline proposal. ... Ground surveys are performed in areas where new pipeline facilities are being considered. In some cases, these surveys are conducted adjacent to existing pipeline corridors.

H is for Hampshire , Hereford and Worcester, Herefordshire, Hertfordshire, Humberside, Huntingdon and Peterborough, Huntingdonshire.

House 1 : a building that serves as living quarters for one or a few families : home invited them to her house for dinner a two-family house. 2a(1) : a shelter or refuge (such as a nest or den) of a wild animal.

I is for Isle of Ely, Isle of wight

Identity certified

What identification can I use? The certification process: A 'certified copy' is a copy of an original document such as a birth certificate, marriage certificate or proof of identity that has been authorised (or stamped) as bein

Buying and selling a house with subsidence

Few things strike as much fear into buyers and sellers alike as subsidence. Who would buy a property that was at risk of structural collapse? And if you are a seller, the nagging question that keeps you awake at night: should you buy a house if the tell-tale signs of subsidence are going to be revealed when the property is surveyed? The good news is that, although subsidence can certainly be a serious problem, it need not be an out-and-out deal-breaker. Most cases of subsidence are perfectly manageable and there are homeowners across the land who have happily lived for years in properties with a history of subsidence
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 “Thirty years ago, subsidence was widely seen as the kiss of death,” says Theresa O’Hara of James C Penny in Oxford. “But now, thanks to modern remedies for subsidence such as underpinning, it is less of a crisis. Properties with a history of subsidence are probably more likely to go to cash buyers than buyers with a mortgage as some lenders can get twitchy, but they change hands on a regular basis.” This new mini guide contains top tips on buying and selling a house with subsidence. Sellers Selling a subsidence property If your property has a history of subsidence you will not be able to conceal the fact from prospective buyers, so don’t even think along those lines.

Full disclosure is the best policy and, as you would do if your property had had problems with damp in the past, you will need to satisfy prospective buyers that you have dealt with the problem satisfactorily. Subsidence causes Subsidence occurs when the ground on which a property is built shifts for some reason. Perhaps a long dry spell has caused the water table to drop. Perhaps the soil has been disturbed by the roots of trees. Or perhaps a broken drainpipe has caused the soil to be washed away from the foundations. How to spot subsidence The first effects of subsidence will start to become physically visible in the form of new and expanding cracks in plasterwork or exterior brickwork.

Other tell-tale signs may include wallpaper ripping or doors or windows sticking. What can you do? If you suspect subsidence, particularly if you are planning to put your property on the market, you need to take remedial action. The first step is to get a chartered surveyor to assess the situation. Be warned that this can sometimes be a laborious process involving measuring and monitoring small cracks over a period of months, if not years. Then, if subsidence is confirmed, the cause of the subsidence – often a tree close to the property – may need to be removed or dealt with. How about underpinning? In extreme cases, it can sometimes prove necessary to underpin the foundations of an entire property – which can be a lengthy and expensive process, costing anything up to £50,000. Most insurance policies offer protection against works needed to deal with subsidence but there is usually a policy excess which you will be required to meet yourself.

 What next? It is obviously essential to keep documentary proof of any works that have been carried out along with any relevant guarantees. That way, you will be able to put your property on the market with the confidence that past episodes of subsidence will not count against you. Buyers Much of the advice pertinent to homeowners who have had to deal with subsidence in their property also applies to buyers.

 Surveys and mortgages It is always sensible, particularly in the case of older properties, to have a full structural survey carried out before putting in an offer, rather than a more basic survey which some mortgage-lenders require. Costings If a survey suggests that there may be a subsidence problem then you need to take action. Get any necessary remedial works costed and be prepared to reduce your offer to take account of them – sensible sellers will fully understand. Is there a history of subsidence? The other thing of which buyers need to be aware, in the case of properties with a known history of subsidence, is that they can be hard to insure. A lot of insurers will not insure a property which has had to be underpinned in the past.

Those that do are likely to charge higher than average premiums and expect you to pay a higher excess in the case of any future claims. Insurance It may also be a condition of your insurance policy – and a sensible thing to do anyway – that you take advice from a specialist tree surgeon on the management of any trees in the vicinity of the property that may be a potential cause of subsidence. Any other tips? Last but not least, you may be happy to buy a property where there have been subsidence issues in the past, but when you come to move house, you may find that other buyers are more cautious and the property is that much harder to sell. With these caveats it is important to keep the threat of subsidence in proportion.

Few properties are perfect and there will always be wear-and-tear issues with older houses. And even if the roots of that lovely copper beech in the next-door garden need watching (in case they trigger subsidence) it is still a lovely copper beech. Whether you are selling or buying, the key thing is to be pragmatic in the way you deal with the problem. Since the dawn of time the land beneath people’s feet has never been quite as rock-solid as they would ideally like. But keep a cool head, take sensible precautions and there is no reason why subsidence should wreck your dream of home ownership.

First time buyers and what help and issues they face

First time buyers and what help and issues they face, firstly a lot depends on location off were the first time buyer wants to buy their first property. I have been in the mortgage industry since 1999 and currently run an online conveyancing portal and I am based in the Greater London area in the early days of my mortgage career first time buyers made up 40% of all the cases that came in for a mortgage and at that time property prices were much more agreeable to fit the first time buyers income at the time. Currently my mainstream business is running an online conveyancing portal and introducing mortgages to a broker friend, the percentage of first time buyers I now get is less than 4 percent in the Greater London area, this is mostly due to the extremely high price of properties in the Greater London Area making it difficult or totally impossible for first time buyer to get on the property ladder in Greater London.

As the conveyancing portal covers the whole of England and Wales, I get a good proportion of first time buyer cases in Wales and Northern England this is due to the Income to property price ratio being far more agreeable. When talking to the brokers in Greater London they actually fear the possibility of trying to help a first time buyer buy a property in Greater London as a lot of first time buyer’s that approach them have no Idea of how a current mortgage works so a lot of time is spent educating them how mortgages need to go through tough affordability calculators only to find out they have an income or a joint income that does not get anywhere near qualifying for a mortgage for the property they want to buy . 99% of the brokers and estate agents who use my portal focus their efforts on home movers and buy to let investors as these are the people that have more chance of getting through the mortgage process
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On the flip side of the issue in Greater London I still get APX 40% of first time buyers from Welsh and Northern Agents and mortgage brokers buying properties in the 70 to £150k pricing range. One of my northern based Solicitors invited me to a clay pigeon shooting day in a village near Oldham, there was a selection of Northern brokers and Estate agents and even a northern Property developer. When speaking to them I learnt that none of them suffered the issues we have in the Home Counties around London or London it’s self. The estate agent said they were getting a healthy amount of first time buyers through the door and were getting properties completed with them to a decent degree. The mortgage brokers were positive about them and didn’t fear them and actually welcomed them through the door as in a vast majority of cases income fit the property they wanted to buy. The property developer actually had a good marketing scheme for first time buyers and didn’t see an issue with them.
First time buyer can get some help from govt schemes https://www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/help-to-buy-scheme-everything-you-need-to-know

Parents can help their children https://www.moneysupermarket.com/mortgages/guarantor-mortgages/

You've found your dream home, exchanged contracts and sorted your mortgage. All that's left to do is move in. That’s the easy part, isn’t it?

Well, there are lots of things you might not have accounted for – from finding the fuse box in your new home to letting your broadband supplier know you're moving. 

Make sure you don’t get caught out at the last minute. Read our checklist for the big day.

1. Confirm the date of your move

First things first, you'll need to get your moving date officially confirmed by your conveyancers and the house sellers.
If you're renting, you may be able to spread moving out and moving in across several days. This way, you can get into your new home and get any work done, like cleaning carpets and painting, without the stress of moving in at the same time.
If you happen to be at the end of the chain, you may find yourself waiting a long time for all the other transactions to go through. Find out your place in the chain, and plan accordingly in case things take longer than expected.

2. Give notice to your landlord (if you're renting) 

If you're renting, you'll need to let your landlord know the exact date you're moving out. Hopefully this will coincide with the end of your lease, as this avoids paying for both rent and your mortgage at the same time.

3. Contact your utility suppliers

Let all of your utility suppliers know that you're planning to move out – electricity, gas, phone and broadband suppliers will all need to know when you're leaving the property.
Chances are, you'll be moving your phone and broadband across to your new property. Give your supplier as much notice as possible, as moving service may take several weeks.
You may have to wait for your internet connection to be set up at your new property, so make sure you download anything important you might need, like appliance instructions, directions, and those films you've been meaning to watch.
If you find yourself without internet when you move in, try turning your phone into a mobile hotspot. It's not a long term solution, but it will help you keep on top of things.
Finally, take a final meter reading in your property and pass them on to the right suppliers. Taking a picture of the meter might help, as the photo will have a timestamp, proving exactly what the meter reading was when the photo was taken.

4. Get quotes on your removal costs

When it comes to removals, it all depends on what's practical for your budget and the size of your property.
If you're moving into a small property, or if cost is a large factor, it'll probably be cheaper to rent a van and get a few friends to help. However, that can easily add to the stress of moving day, so make sure it's right for you.
If you'd prefer a professional service, visit the British Association of Removers opens in new window to get a quote online. The British Association of Removers have an established code of practice, and are monitored by the Trading Standards Institute.
Regardless of what service you pick, make absolutely sure you've got all your valuables and personal documents in a safe place; keep them on your person, if you can.

5. Have a big clear out before you move

This is the perfect time to go through your old things and decide what is and isn't worth keeping. Before you start boxing everything up, go through your old clothes, electronics and furniture. Decide what's actually worth keeping and what can be dropped off at the local charity shop.
It'll save you a lot of time, effort and backache if you cut down on the number of things you need to move to your new home.

6. Make a list of where everything is in your new home

Most people wait until there's a gushing radiator before they work out how to switch the water off – make sure that doesn't happen to you.
Ask the sellers of your new property exactly where the following things are:
Stopcock (valve for controlling the main water supply)
Instructions for appliances
Gas and electricity meters
Thermostat
Fuse box
If you're selling, make a list of where all the important things are in your home, and leave it for the people moving in.
They'll really appreciate you going the extra mile, and it may come in handy if you need to ask them for a favour (like posting those shoes you bought online and sent to the wrong address).

7. Pack everything and label boxes

Hopefully you've had a clear out, so this should be a bit easier.
When you’re packing everything up, label all the boxes properly. Make a list so you know exactly what’s inside each box after the journey. Make a checklist of what's in each box, so you don't have to root around whenever you're trying to find something.
The Evernote app opens in new window is perfect for this, and you can download it for Android opens in new window or iPhone opens in new window.

8. Pay for bills, let friends and family know you're moving

Settle up all the bills and council tax still owed on your current property; you don't want any bills coming back to haunt you when you're all settled in your new place.
Contact the following people to let them know you're changing your address:
Your work
Your bank, insurance, pension and credit card companies
The council, electoral roll
TV Licensing
Doctor and dentist
DVLA
National Insurance / DSS offices
Post redirection services (this requires at least 5 days notice)
Tip – Don't forget to delete your old address from all online retailers (such as Amazon). There's nothing worse than realising your package has been delivered to an old address.
When that's done, send out one big email to friends and family to let them know your new address and the exact date you move in. They might not need it right away, but when Christmas card season comes around they'll be grateful you planned ahead.

9. Grab the essential for moving day

You'll need the essentials for the first night in your new place, so it’s best to make a box or two with the following things to hand:
Kettle, mugs, tea, milk, coffee, sugar
Cleaning products, plus vacuum cleaner and bin bags
Phone and laptop chargers
Loo roll, kitchen roll
Duvet and bedding for the first night
Temporary furniture - deck chairs etc.
Television or radio
And make sure you keep all your important documents, like your passport and mortgage paperwork, where you can easily find them.

10. Move in to your new home

Once you've unloaded everything, do a deep clean of the property before you start unpacking. This is definitely the easiest time to scrub tiles and clean carpets.
Unpack room by room, starting with the kitchen
Check all the utilities are up and running
Make sure you have keys to every door, window and cupboard
Find out what day your bins are collected
Finally, take the rest of the night off. Find a local takeaway, order something delicious and put your feet up – you've earned it.

All sites and links correct at the time of publication. We (the Post Office) take no responsibility for the content of any third party websites.

The benefits of buying a chain-free property

Occasionally when viewing the properties across our website, you may see three magic words - ‘no-onward chain’. What this means is that the property you are looking at has no onward purchase and therefore has less chance of breaking down. What is a property chain? A property chain can be one of the most frustrating aspects of purchasing or selling a home. It is created when there is a link of buyers and sellers connected through their transactions. Each purchase is dependent on the success of the one next to it and if there is one negative step the whole chain could collapse. When do things go wrong? There can be lots of reasons why a property chain can collapse.

It could be that someone changes their mind about selling their home, they might have a drastic change in circumstances such as a job loss or bereavement, they might find serious structural problems in a home that they were planning on buying or they might not be able to agree on a price and withdraw their offer or have an offer rejected. Why do properties become available without a chain? Occasionally we will list properties which have no-onward chain. This can happen when a property seller has inherited a property and simply wishes to sell it, the seller has another home already, the seller is relocating, the property is a new build or the property on offer has been repossessed.

Why should I take notice of a chain free property? The uncertainty and worry that comes with property chains is removed when purchasing a chainless property. Instead of being part of a delicate continuum of buyers, your purchase is reduced to just two major parties. This means that you should achieve a quick and secure purchase. For an ordinary, no hold ups, straightforward property purchase, conveyancing can take between 6 to 8 weeks, though 12 weeks is a more realistic estimate of time scale. When you receive your solicitor quotes from our conveyance quote engine, you can clarify timescale before instruction.

In some cases however, the process can be much shorter and in exceptional cases, usually those with no onward chain (being therefore chain-free), the process can be completed in as little as 4 weeks. (On the other hand, it could take much longer and be fraught with delays). If a property is considered ‘chain-free’ this means that it is being sold by someone who does not need to purchase a new property after they sell. For example, the seller might be moving abroad, or might be a property investor, or a property could be being sold on behalf of someone who has passed away. Only 10% of all property transactions in the United Kingdom are chain-free.

New build properties are chain free. When you are buying a new home straight from the housebuilder, there is no onward chain. Some housebuilders even have Part Exchange offers, so you don’t have to worry about problems with selling your current home. Generally speaking, the smaller the chain, the less likelihood there will be of delays since it is usually people that cause the problems when moving house, which impacts on the process for all involved. The smaller the chain, the less people there are involved and the less risk there is of hold ups, so conveyancing with no chain increases your chances of a quick transaction.

This is of course good news if you are hoping to move into your new home as soon as possible. As long as the paperwork is completed and filed in a timely manner, there is little reason why a chain-free property sale or purchase should take much more than a month. Though please note that even without a chain there are still factors that can cause a delay. Exact time scales are impossible to determine.

EPC certificates explained

An EPC certificates are shows how energy efficient your property is, the document includes estimated costs for energy and the homes energy performance features.

Epic Ratings

A certificate will have an efficiency rating between A and G and will look like example as below

Since Energy Ratings have been very significant in home sales for the last few years , new build home are geared towards achieving very good energy ratings , this is older homes sometimes need some or a lot of work to get a better energy rating as properties in the past were not built for energy conservation .

Things that will help energy ratings are as below 

Windows that are double glazed 

If you don’t yet have double glazing fitted, you could be surprised at the difference it can make to your annual energy bills.

Your initial investment will be fairly high but double-glazed windows will trap more heat inside your home, meaning they will save you money in the long term.

Double glazing is available in a variety of styles, so it doesn’t have to ruin the look of your home. When you are choosing your windows, look out for the ‘Energy Saving Trust recommended’ logo as this seal of approval is only given to the more efficient windows.

Wall with cavity insulation   

Un-insulated walls are another big cause of the heat lost in your home. Filling cavity walls could save you between £70 and £255 a year, according to the Energy Saving Trust.

However, a job like this doesn’t come cheap – cavity wall insulation costs from £330 upwards depending on the size of your property – but some energy suppliers will offer funding if you’re on certain benefits. Give yours a ring to find out.

Insulated loft

Poorly insulated roofs and walls can be a major cause of energy wastage. But with decent loft insulation, you could save between £120 and £225 a year, depending on the type of property you have and where you live, according to the Energy Saving Trust.

Upgraded energy efficient boiler 

Did you know inefficient boilers could be adding a few hundred pounds to your energy bills? That means that upgrading yours could be a great way to cut what you pay in the long term.

It’s also a great way to dramatically reduce your home’s carbon emissions – boilers account for 60% of the carbon dioxide emissions in a gas heated home.

Boilers are rated on a scale of A to G, with A being the most energy efficient. If yours is at the lower end of the scale then investing in a new one could save you a packet over the long-term.

Some simple things that you can do that will not cost a fortune 

Thicker curtains 

Energy efficient kettle and oven 

Turn off appliances that are not being used 

Get energy supplier to fit a smart meter 

Change habits make sure lights are off when not needed 

Keep doors shut.

If you have the money to do this 

Solar panels  

Solar panels enable you to generate some of your own heat or power so you’ll save money on your bills. Previously, you could even sell energy back to the National Grid with a feed-in tariff, but this scheme closed to new applicants on 31 March 2019 (anyone who has had solar panels installed before this date will still benefit).

However, the government is introducing a Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) that means most suppliers will need to pay you for your exported excess electricity. This won’t start until January 2020, but some companies, such as Octopus, are already offering SEG tariffs to customers.

Northern Irish customers can already get paid for any surplus power they export.

Some solar panels warm the water in your tanks by a small amount, reducing your overall bills.

But those with photovoltaic (PV) cells actually generate energy and the Energy Saving Trust thinks the average home can provide 40% of its power this way.

The average PV system costs between £5,000 and £8,000, so it’s a big initial outlay, although it depends on the amount you want to generate and the space you have for the panels.

But the good news is solar panels work even when it’s cloudy, so don’t let the UK weather put you off. It’s also sensible to set appliances such as washing machines to run when it’s lightest outside to get maximum benefit.

What is the EPC register? EPC checker 

This is a government database that stores every property that has a proper PEC certificate and you can use it to look up a property energy rating, if an EPC certificate hasn’t ever been attached to a property it will not show on the register.

How long does an energy performance certificate last? EPCs are valid for 10 years. They were first introduced in England and Wales in 2007 so, depending on when you moved in, your property may already have a valid certificate. Use the EPC register's look-up tool to check if you have one - and, if so, whether it's still valid.

How much do EPCs cost? EPCs can cost up to £120, although the price is much lower for most properties. While all homes need to have an EPC before they can be sold or let, there's no benefit in choosing a more expensive provider, so make sure you shop around for the best deal. Going directly to a domestic energy assessor rather than getting one through an estate agent is generally cheaper.

Finding an energy assessor

If your property doesn't already have an EPC, you'll need to get one before you can sell. Many people do this via their estate agent for convenience, but this is generally the pricier option. To save money by arranging your EPC independently, search the EPC register's assessor page to find an accredited domestic energy assessor. How long does an energy performance certificate last? EPCs are valid for 10 years. They were first introduced in England and Wales in 2007 so, depending on when you moved in, your property may already have a valid certificate. Use the EPC register's look-up tool to check if you have one - and, if so, whether it's still valid. How much do EPCs cost? EPCs can cost up to £120, although the price is much lower for most properties. While all homes need to have an EPC before they can be sold or let, there's no benefit in choosing a more expensive provider, so make sure you shop around for the best deal. Going directly to a domestic energy assessor rather than getting one through an estate agent is generally cheaper.

 

How long does an energy performance certificate last? EPCs are valid for 10 years. They were first introduced in England and Wales in 2007 so, depending on when you moved in, your property may already have a valid certificate. Use the EPC register's look-up tool to check if you have one - and, if so, whether it's still valid. How much do EPCs cost? EPCs can cost up to £120, although the price is much lower for most properties. While all homes need to have an EPC before they can be sold or let, there's no benefit in choosing a more expensive provider, so make sure you shop around for the best deal. Going directly to a domestic energy assessor rather than getting one through an estate agent is generally cheaper.