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
Autumn Budget 2025 Predictions: Mortgage Market
11 days ago
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.
Landlords could face a new tax this autumn
14 days ago
The chancellor has advised that landlords could have another tax to pay this autumn as the Treasury decide whether to extend national insurance contributions to rental income.
According to a report in the Guardian, senior ministers have asked Treasury officials to look into a “proportional” property tax to see how it would work as an alternative to the existing stamp duty land tax on owner-occupied homes.
More than a quarter of UK adults in long-term relationships (26%) have reported that despite living together, they keep their finances separate from one another.
There has been a rise in both rent and mortgage costs over the last three years, with renters seeing a greater increase in their monthly payments than those with a mortgaged property.
Delayed Start Mortgages
6 Aug 2025
The new Delayed Start Mortgage launched by Skipton Building Society allows first time buyers to postpone the first three mortgage payments. This product has been designed to help soften the blow of moving in costs for first time buyers.
Green Mortgages | Rewards and Benefits
4 Aug 2025
Mortgage lenders are starting to recognise their “Green” responsibilities when it comes to the different products they offer.
A recent study by Boon Brokers where 1,000 people who had used an estate agent over the last year were surveyed, showed that a whopping 52% said they were pressured into using the estate agents’ in-house mortgage broker.
More information
Trusted by
