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

Cotswolds   Web Larger

Forbes has published a global ranking of stunning locations and one popular picturesque corner of the UK has nabbed top spot.

Budget Then And Now   Web Larger

Over three years after the Mini-Budget took place, we look at what the mortgage market looks like now, showing the difference in mortgage repayments.

Home buying shake up web larger

The government has announced plans to make buying or selling a home cheaper and quicker with what is being called the “biggest shake-up to the homebuying system in this country’s history.”

More borrowers ER web larger

Almost one in five equity release mortgages are now taken out to provide financial support to family.

Buyers purchasing sooner web larger

According to industry data, the expected wait for those looking to buy a property has dropped from just over 11 months to less than six months.

First payment higher web larger

It is common for your first mortgage payment to be higher than your subsequent monthly payments for two reasons.

Change locks web larger

Firstly, a big congratulations, you’ve now exchanged contracts! After weeks and months of waiting, you are about to move in. What should you do first?

Autumn budget predictions web larger

The chancellor will deliver her second budget this autumn. Due to slow economic growth and high inflation, the government need to manage a £40 billion shortfall in public finances. There have already been reports about changes to taxes including income tax and capital gains tax.