Can You Market a Property While an EPC Is “In Progress”?

Why EPC timing matters in property marketing

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a legal requirement before a property can be marketed. While most property professionals understand this in principle, confusion often arises around whether a property can be listed while an EPC is still “in progress”.

This uncertainty frequently causes issues in active markets such as Stoke-on-Trent, where agents are balancing speed to market with compliance obligations.

Can a property be marketed while an EPC is in progress?

In short: a property can only be marketed if the EPC has already been commissioned.

Marketing a property without an EPC is not permitted unless there is evidence that the EPC has been ordered and is being actively produced. The common misconception is that agents have an automatic grace period — this is not the case.

The EPC must be commissioned before marketing begins, and made available as soon as reasonably practicable. If it is not available within the initial period, only then does limited additional time apply.

Why this creates risk for estate agents and brokers

From a compliance perspective, the seller or landlord is responsible for having an EPC. However, estate agents and property professionals carry real exposure if a property is marketed incorrectly.

• Listings may need to be amended or withdrawn
• Local authority enforcement action is possible
• Sales or mortgage applications can be delayed
• Confidence can be lost early in the transaction

This risk is particularly relevant for properties being marketed quickly or across multiple branches, including areas like Stoke-on-Trent, where EPC availability can directly affect launch timelines.

The impact on sales progression and mortgage applications

EPC delays don’t just affect the marketing stage. They often resurface later in the transaction, especially during mortgage or conveyancing stages.

• Lenders may request EPC documentation before issuing offers
• Buyers increasingly question energy efficiency
• Delays introduce uncertainty into agreed sales

This knock-on effect is explored further in how EPC ratings affect house prices, where EPC performance influences buyer behaviour and negotiation.

Why EPCs are becoming more time-sensitive

Demand for EPCs is increasing as energy efficiency becomes a greater focus across the property industry. Uncertainty around future requirements has also contributed to delays, with many sellers unsure whether existing certificates will remain valid.

This growing pressure is already being felt nationwide and is covered in more detail in whether a new EPC will be required in 2026.

Best practice for property professionals

The most effective agencies and mortgage providers remove ambiguity by treating EPCs as part of the instruction or application process — not something to resolve later.

Best practice includes:

• Confirming EPC status at valuation or onboarding stage
• Commissioning EPCs immediately once agreed
• Using a single nationwide EPC provider
• Avoiding conditional or informal EPC arrangements

This approach reduces delays, protects compliance, and keeps transactions moving.

Why nationwide EPC booking simplifies compliance

For property professionals operating across multiple regions, EPC delays often come down to fragmented booking processes. Using a single system ensures consistent turnaround times and clear evidence of commissioning.

EPCs can be arranged directly through the Move-Nest booking system, providing nationwide coverage and end-to-end management designed for estate agents, brokers, and property professionals.