EPCs

Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are Compulsory

EPCs are a legal government requirement, so whenever a building is built, sold or let they must have a certificate showing its energy efficiency grade. The EPC gives a building a standard energy and carbon emission efficiency grade from A to G, with A being the most efficient and G the least. Currently, the average rating for homes in the UK is D.

Ordering an EPC

A new EPC will be required when you come to sell your property. If you are letting your property then your EPC is valid for 10 years. As part of the sales or letting process we will organise your EPC for you, subject to your approval. Once ordered, one of our Energy Assessors will call you and organise a visit to the property. On average the assessment will take about 45 minutes.  The certificate and supplementary report will be sent directly to our branches so that it can be used within the particulars for your property.

Should you update your EPC?

It is not compulsory to update your EPC if you make energy efficient improvements, such as having double glazing fitted or cavity wall insulation installed, but if you are going to market the property it will probably be worth applying for a new one. Even if you have no intention of selling or letting you may want to see how much the rating of your home has improved, and how much you’ll be saving on your energy bills following the improvements.

Please note however, if your improvements actually worsen the property’s rating you will not be able to use your old one. It is very rare for this to happen though.

Does a poor EPC make a property harder to sell or let?

In general a slightly below average EPC will not affect a property's desirability, although it can if the energy rating is noticeably very poor and, as a consequence, improvement costs are likely to be high. Landlords may feel slightly more pressure to have a better rating and, in fact, steps are in place to offer landlords grants to make their properties more energy efficient.

If you have any questions about EPCs please feel free to contact one of our branches.