Residential surveying for sustainability, why energy efficiency in homes matter.

Hello homebuyers in and around South London,

Period terraced houses in South London with sustainable features like solar panels

Let’s face it—while sustainability and energy efficiency are hot topics, they’re still not top of mind for most buyers and sellers in the London property market. Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs)? Useful, yes—but often inaccurate, especially in older homes. Despite this, the tide is turning. With rising energy bills and growing climate awareness, more Londoners are beginning to ask smarter questions about how their homes perform—and how they can future-proof their investments.

As a local RICS Chartered Surveyor and Registered Valuer based in SE27, I’m seeing this shift in attitude up close. If you're buying, selling, or simply trying to understand the hidden risks and rewards of your home, sustainability now plays a critical role in both Level 2 (HomeBuyer Reports) and Level 3 (Building Surveys)—as outlined in the RICS Home Survey Standard (1st Edition).

The South London challenge, old homes, new standards

Many homes across some of the local areas I cover such as West Norwood, Tulse Hill, Dulwich, Crystal Palace, Herne Hill, Balham, Forest Hill, and Kennington were built before 1919. These charming period properties often feature solid brick walls, timber floors, and original architectural details—but they weren’t designed with energy efficiency in mind.

Retrofitting these homes can - 

  • Lower energy bills and improve year-round comfort

  • Improve EPC ratings (which increasingly influence mortgage eligibility and buyer interest)

  • Reduce carbon footprints and contribute to London’s net zero goals

But it’s not always straightforward. Poorly executed retrofits can cause more harm than good—trapping moisture, creating thermal bridges, or introducing structural risks. That’s why getting a detailed, independent survey—aligned with both RICS standards and PAS 2035 principles—is essential before making upgrades or purchasing a previously altered home.

Over-Insulating Without Ventilation: Insulation upgrades that ignore ventilation design leads to pollutants and moisture which has no means of escape, accumulating indoors and compromising the overall air quality. Following the PAS 2035 retrofit standard, a whole-house approach is essential. I assess this risk during every Level 3 Building Survey I undertake.

Buying a home with eco features, don’t forget these legal and technical checks

If you’re buying a property with energy-efficient or eco features, your solicitor and surveyor should ensure:

  • Ownership of solar panels (leased panels can complicate mortgages)

  • Planning permission or listed building consent for insulation, solar panels, or green roof installations

  • Certification from:

    • FENSA (Windows and doors)

    • NICEIC (Electrics)

    • Gas Safe (Heating appliances)

    • MCS (Solar or heat pump installations)

    • From either CWIS or CIGA for any cavity wall insulation

  • Valid and transferable warranties for retrofit measures

  • Structural soundness of the roof where solar or green roofs are installed

EPCs, required, but not the full story

EPC certificate showing rating band and real-world energy performance comparison

While EPCs are legally required for sales and lettings, they remain a blunt tool—especially for older or retrofitted homes. They’re based on simplified models and often don’t reflect the real-world performance of quality upgrades.

Just because an EPC rating doesn’t dramatically improve after a retrofit, doesn’t mean those measures aren’t working. In many cases, high-quality improvements lower your operational energy costs, improve comfort, and enhance long-term property value—especially as regulatory pressure increases.

Why it matters in SE27 and beyond

As a RICS Chartered Surveyor operating in and surrounding areas like - Streatham, Balham, Forest Hill, and Clapham, I bring both local knowledge and sustainability expertise into every home survey.

It’s not just about bricks and mortar anymore—it’s about future-proofing your home, understanding environmental risks, and making confident decisions that align with current and future standards.

Book your local RICS survey 

Looking for a local, experienced surveyor who understands South London homes and the real impact of green upgrades?

📍 Based in SE27, covering all nearby postcodes
📋 Offering Level 2 HomeBuyer Reports & Level 3 Building Surveys
🌱 Sustainability-focused, with advice on retrofits, risks, and rewards
📧 roo@rmsurveyors.co.uk
🌐 rmsurveyors.co.uk

Let’s make smarter, greener choices for your home—together.

Reuben Miller