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 more.
What is an Energy Performance Certificate?
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a certificate that records the energy efficiency of a property.
An inspection will usually be carried out by a qualified tradesman or assessor, who can confirm the EPC rating of your house.
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.
This document has been introduced due to the ever-rising interest in energy efficiency, as it ensures that all properties follow ‘best practice’ regarding the most effective use of energy.
EPCs are increasingly important in the UK
In recent years, the significance of an EPC rating on UK properties has increased.
The UK government intends to introduce a minimum rating requirement for renting your property from 2028 onwards.
This means that landlords who own a house with a low EPC rating will be unable to use it as an extra source of rental income unless they improve its energy efficiency.
Where can I find my EPC?
When a homeowner sells their property through an estate agency, the latter will typically arrange an EPC on their behalf.
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 small 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 a 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
- Buildings due to be demolished (whether because they are derelict or because a new development will be built in their place)
- 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.
However, as of 2028, the UK government is enforcing legislation requiring any building rented out to have a minimum EPC rating of ‘C’.
Remember that a high EPC rating is still considered ‘more desirable’ for potential buyers.
A low score may result in you receiving lower offers. Or perhaps you will even find a higher proportion of cash buyers/property investors interested in purchasing the house instead.
Why is a high EPC rating more desirable?
A high EPC rating makes a property more desirable to potential buyers and renters because it is better insulated.
This means that, during cold periods, the people living there will be warmer, and their heating bills should be lower (compared to a house with a low EPC score).
A high EPC rating also indicates a house is up-to-date and invested in by its owner.
This usually coincides with modern features and demonstrates the landlord’s willingness to go ‘above and beyond’.
If someone is buying a house to rent out, a high EPC rating sometimes enables them to charge more for their monthly rent.
As of 2028, property owners keen to follow this route must have a minimum C rating.
For any 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.
If you have the ‘Report Reference Number‘ for the pre-existing EPC, then you can enter this into the search engine, which will provide you with 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 and 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?
When you get an EPC inspection done on your property, the report usually includes recommendations on improving your EPC score.
Nevertheless, 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 (such as light sensors, which turn off automatically, or even solar panels)
- Ensuring that major systems, such as boilers, are not outdated and work effectively.
Some of these installations will not be cheap, but they will hopefully make your house far more attractive to buyers and renters in the future.
