Regularly referred to as an EPC, the Energy Performance Certificate was introduced by the UK government in an attempt to undertake periodic audit of the UK’s built environment and to assess its energy efficiency and nudge/require* property owners to improve the energy efficiency of their property.
A property owner must have a valid EPC whenever a property is built, sold or let.
An Energy Performance Certificate contains:
- information about a property’s energy use and typical energy costs
- recommendations about how to reduce energy use and save money
- An EPC gives a property an energy efficiency rating from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient) and is valid for 10 years.
At present, the following buildings do not require an EPC:
- Places of worship
- Temporary buildings that will be used for less than 2 years
- Stand-alone buildings with total useful floor space of less than 50 square metres
- Industrial sites, workshops and non-residential agricultural buildings that don’t use a lot of energy
- Some buildings that are due to be demolished
- Holiday accommodation that’s rented out for less than 4 months a year or is let under a licence to occupy
- Listed buildings - you should get advice from your local authority conservation officer if the work would alter the building’s character
- Residential buildings intended to be used less than 4 months a year
- Unsafe properties
*Current regulations relating to EPCs include prohibition of the renting of property that does not have an energy rating of band E or better. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in significant fines of up to £5,000.
Related article:
Download our Free First Time Buyers Guide
Recent posts
Here are the lowest fixed mortgage rates of the week, available to first-time buyers, home movers, buy-to-let, and those remortgaging.
Call us for more information: 01628 507477 or email: team@mortgagerequired.com.
Renters' Rights Act
Yesterday
The Renter’s Rights Bill became law at the end of October, which means it has been signed off by the King, and it is now the Renters’ Rights Act. Despite this becoming law, these changes are likely to start changing within the next six months, with the aim of being fully implemented throughout 2026 and into 2027.
Green Mortgages | Rewards and Benefits
Yesterday
Mortgage lenders are starting to recognise their “Green” responsibilities when it comes to the different products they offer.
Costliest Streets in Great Britain
5 days ago
Recent data from Rightmove shows the most expensive streets in Great Britain, with the majority being situated in the capital.
The Bank of England Governor, Andrew Bailey, has advised that, due to the “very big energy shock” the economy is facing, they won’t be in a rush to increase UK interest rates.
Many homeowners don’t realise that a simple act or oversight could invalidate their home insurance policy. Home insurance is essential in protecting your most valuable assets; however, it is important to understand what affects your cover to ensure you are fully protected.
In certain areas, impressive views are one feature that buyers are willing to pay price premiums of more than 30 per cent.
The UK mortgage market is seeing lenders withdraw deals and hike mortgage rates amid the escalation of conflict in Iran. This isn’t great news for borrowers, with the average rate for a two-year fixed deal sitting above 5%.
More information
Trusted by
