Gathering the paperwork to sell your house can be daunting.
In the United Kingdom, an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is part of this.
Read on to find out what it is and whether or not you need one.
What is an Energy Performance Certificate?
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a certificate recording properties’ energy efficiency.
It ensures that all properties follow ‘best practice’ for effective energy use.
Qualified tradesmen or assessors perform inspections to grade and certify properties.
On the open market, buying or renting a property with a higher EPC rating is generally more desirable.
A high score usually means that the building retains heat well. And that fewer expensive improvements are needed.
Is an EPC a legal requirement?
In most cases, it is a legal requirement in the UK to have this documentation when you sell your house.
EPCs’ importance in the UK
In recent years, the significance of an EPC rating on UK properties has increased.
The government will introduce a minimum rating requirement for rental property in 2028.
So, landlords must improve the energy efficiency of their property.
Where can I find my EPC?
When homeowners sell through estate agents, the latter often arrange an EPC.
You can also contact an accredited energy assessor who will complete one for you.
EPC’s are also available online online. The UK government has a website which allows you to search for a property’s EPC.
You can complete this search by entering the house’s post code, street name and town. Or by entering a specific certificate number.
How much does it cost to get an EPC?
To get an EPC for your property, you usually need to pay a fee, often between £50 and £100.
How long do EPCs last?
EPCs last up to 10 years, so it is not uncommon for buyers to purchase property that already has a valid EPC.
Once an EPC document expires, the owner usually cannot sell the house unless a new one is requested.
Are there exceptions where an EPC is not required?
There are some instances where EPCs are not required when selling a property. These include:
- Places of worship
- Listed buildings
- Residential buildings lived in for less than four months per year
- Holiday accommodation rented out for less than four months per year
- Temporary buildings that will be used for no more than two years
- Condemned buildings (derelict or in the way of a new development)
- Buildings with a floor space of less than 50 metres.
Do you need a minimum EPC score to sell your house?
At present, you do not need a minimum EPC rating to sell your property.
Even if your house receives a ‘G’ rating (the lowest score), you can still find a buyer.
But as of 2028, things will change.
Legislation will require rental buildings have a minimum EPC rating of ‘C’.
Why is a high EPC rating more desirable?
A high EPC rating makes a property more desirable to potential buyers and renters.
During cold periods they will be warmer. And their heating bills should be lower (compared to a house with a low EPC score).
It also signals that house in generally in good condition.
A high EPC rating also indicates a house is up-to-date and invested in by its owner.
If someone is buying a house to rent out, a high EPC rating sometimes enables them to charge higher rent.
For environmentally conscious people, a high EPC rating can provide peace of mind, too.
Can I check my Energy Performance Certificate?
Yes, you can check your Energy Performance Certificate.
There is an online EPC register which displays all the certificates for properties in the UK.
Entering the EPC’s ‘Report Reference Number‘ into the search engine will provide details.
You can search for the EPC rating of other houses in your area at no extra cost.
This might enable you to compare results. So, you can gauge how energy-efficient your property is within the neighbourhood.
Many EPCs will give you information about saving money on your house if you wish to improve your score. Find your EPC online for more information.
What can I do to improve my EPC rating?
An EPC inspection report usually includes recommendations on improving your EPC score.
But you can take some steps that will usually benefit most properties, including:
- Installing double-glazed windows is an excellent way of keeping heat in
- Implementing energy-efficient technology. For example, light sensors, which turn off automatically, or even solar panels
- Ensuring that major systems, such as boilers, are not outdated and work well.
Some of these installations will not be cheap. But they will make your house far more attractive to buyers and renters.
EPC changes from 2025 all landlords need to know
There will be changes to laws and regulations surrounding EPCs from 2025 onwards.
In the past, the minimum requirement for an EPC to be adequate is an ‘E’ rating.
This changed in 2025.
Now, landlords need to make sure that any new tenancies have a minimum rating of ‘C’.
By 2028, all rental properties will need to have a ‘C’ rating.
