An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is legally required in most situations where a property is sold or rented in the UK. However, many homeowners and landlords are still unsure whether they can market a property before the EPC is available.
Is an EPC Legally Required?
In most cases, yes.
A valid EPC is required when:
- Selling a property
- Renting a property to a new tenant
- Marketing a property online or through an agent
The EPC must generally be available from the point the property is marketed.
Can You Put a Property on the Market Without an EPC?
Technically, a property may sometimes appear briefly on the market while an EPC is being arranged, but the certificate must be commissioned immediately.
If no EPC is obtained, estate agents and landlords can face compliance issues.
This is especially important in active markets such as Reading and growing regional areas like Stockport, where properties move quickly once listed.
What Happens If Your EPC Has Expired?
EPCs remain valid for 10 years. Once expired, they can no longer be used for selling or renting.
You can check whether a certificate is still valid using the EPC register.
Are There Any Exceptions?
Some properties may be exempt from EPC requirements, including certain listed buildings and temporary structures.
However, exemptions are often misunderstood. Many listed or older properties still require a valid EPC.
What If the EPC Rating Is Low?
A low EPC rating does not usually prevent a property from being sold. However, landlords must normally achieve at least an E rating before renting.
If your rating is lower than expected, you can explore possible upgrades using our EPC improvement calculator.
How Much Does a New EPC Cost?
EPC costs vary depending on property type and location.
You can estimate pricing instantly using our EPC cost calculator.
How EPCs Affect Buyer and Tenant Perception
Even where an EPC is legally compliant, ratings can still influence perception.
Buyers and tenants increasingly compare energy efficiency between similar homes, particularly in markets such as Oxford and Preston.
The wider relationship between EPC scores and demand is explored in our guide on how EPC ratings affect house prices and buyer demand.
Booking an EPC
If your EPC has expired — or you need a new one before marketing your property — it’s best to arrange this early.
You can also book directly via the online booking page.
Conclusion
In most situations, a valid EPC is required before selling or renting a property. Checking your certificate early helps avoid delays, compliance issues and unnecessary stress during the process.
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