Energy performance certificates (EPC) are now required whenever a property is built, sold or let. The certificate was introduced by the UK government in an effort to encourage the improvement of energy efficiency in the nation’s housing stock.

You must have an Energy Performance Certificate before you start marketing your property. They usually cost somewhere between £50 and £100 + VAT.

Buildings that don’t need an EPC include:

  • 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

Qualified energy assessors active in England and Wales can be found here - Find a Domestic Energy Assessor.

There is an EPC register where you can check on a property’s EPC. It is also possible to opt to not have your EPC shown on the register.

Download our Free First Time Buyers Guide

Recent posts

Costliest Streets   Web Larger

Recent data from Rightmove shows the most expensive streets in Great Britain, with the majority being situated in the capital.

Deals of week web larger

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.

BoE Building   Web Larger

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.

Home Insurance Invalidate    Web Larger

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.

Views   Web Larger

In certain areas, impressive views are one feature that buyers are willing to pay price premiums of more than 30 per cent.   

Lenders React To Iran War   Web Larger

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%.

Salaries Not Enough For Deposit   Web Larger

Statistics now show that those looking to purchase a property would have to save a deposit bigger than their annual gross pay.

Prices Set To Rise For FTB   Web Larger

Analysis from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) shows that those looking to buy their first home could face a sharp increase if house prices follow the latest predictions, as Coventry Building Society suggests.