Potential buyers are unlikely to be put off purchasing a property even if it scores a poor grade on its energy performance certificate (EPC), it has been suggested.

The EPC, which forms part of the home information packs (Hips) that are now mandatory for homes with three or more bedrooms, gives a property a score between A (best) and G (worst) to rate its energy efficiency but according to financial services firm Legal & General, buyers are not overly concerned by them.

Stephen Smith, director of housing at the firm, said: "We suspect that traditional factors such as price, location and condition will remain far higher up the list in terms of buyers'' priorities than energy rating, so no seller is going to lose out if their home is not currently energy efficient."

Despite this, Mr Smith added that buyers would probably make the improvements once they had secured the property.

During price negotiations, this could be a factor, but Hip resource site hipcentral.co.uk suggests that there are simple tips sellers can follow to improve the saleability of their home.

They point out that putting a insulating jacket on a hot water tank and fitting thermostatic radiator valves are good low-cost options.