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E

Early Repayment Charge

A fee charged by a lender to a borrower for paying off their mortgage before its scheduled completion date. This is to compensate for the loss of income that would have been generated had the mortgage run its full course.

Eaves

The lower, overhanging section of a pitched roof, intended to throw rain water away from the wall below.

ECF (Energy Cost Factor)

An ECF is based on the cost of space and water heating within a property.

EcoHomes

BREEAM version for new homes first launched in 2000 and now replaced in England for new dwellings by the Code for Sustainable Homes. EcoHomes remains in operation for refurbished homes in the UK, and all dwellings in Scotland.

Efflorescence

The white powdery deposit on the surface of masonry or plaster caused by mineral salts migrating to the surface as a result of moisture evaporation. Harmless but unattractive.

EIR (Environmental Impact Rating (CO2 emissions))

The EIR is displayed on an EPC and is the rating about the impact the home has on the environment. Better-rated homes should have less impact through carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. A property that emits very little carbon would score an A and a more polluting property would score G

Endowment

Type of mortgage where monthly payments are made into a endowment (life assurance) policy. The loan is paid off in one lump sum at the end of the loan period.

Energy Cost Factor

See ECF

Energy Performance of Buildings Directive

See EPBD

Energy Performance Certificate

See EPC

Energy Performance Report

See EPR

Energy Savings Trust

See EST

Environmental Search

This will show the level of risk from flooding, landfill, radon gas, and other issues.

EPBD (Energy Performance of Buildings Directive)

The EPBD is an European directive that had to be enforced across all member states by the 4th of January 2009, which will amongst other things enforce the provision of Energy Performance Certificate (EPCs) when buildings are Constructed, Sold or Rented.

EPC (Energy Performance Certificate)

The sellers of properties in England and Wales are required to provide a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).

An EPC records a home's energy and CO2 emission performance rating which is calculated using SAP for dwellings. Energy Performance Certificates display the energy efficiency of a home on a scale of A-G. The most efficient homes, which should have the lowest fuel bills, are in band A. The Certificate also shows, on a scale of A-G, the environmental impact of the home. Better-rated homes should have less impact through carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.

The average property in the UK is in bands D-E for both ratings. The Certificate includes recommendations on ways to improve the home's energy efficiency to save you money and help the environment

EPR (Energy Performance Report)

EPRs are EPCs which are not officially lodged in the Governments central database

EST (Energy Savings Trust)

The EST is a non-profit organisation that provides free impartial advice on saving energy. Our advice can help you save money and fight climate change by reducing carbon dioxide emissions from your home

Equity

The total value of your property, less the amount of the mortgage. For example, if your house is worth £60,000 and you have a mortgage of £50,000, you have equity of £10,000.

Estate Agent

Property agents who link up buyers and sellers. Estate Agents advertise houses & arrange viewings.

Exchange of Contracts (in Scotland, Missives Conclusion)

The contracts are in fact two identical documents, one signed by the seller and the other by the purchaser. When these are exchanged, both sides are legally bound to complete the transaction.

Excess

The initial sum you have to pay on an insurance claim

Exclusive Mortgage

A mortgage only available to intermediaries through a specific packager, in conjunction with a Lender who provides the funding.

Extensive green roof

A lightweight, low-maintenance roof system, typically with succulents or other hardy plant species (often sedum) planted into a shallow substrate (typically less than 100 mm) that is low in nutrients. Irrigation is not normally required