Every Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) includes a section titled “Recommended Measures”. These recommendations often raise questions for property owners — particularly around whether improvements are required or simply advisory.
Understanding how EPC recommendations work can help sellers and landlords make informed decisions without unnecessary expense.
What Are EPC Recommendations?
EPC recommendations are automatically generated suggestions based on the property’s construction, heating system and insulation levels at the time of assessment.
They typically include measures such as:
- Loft or cavity wall insulation
- Improved heating controls
- Low-energy lighting
- Upgrading older boilers
The recommendations are designed to show potential ways to improve energy efficiency — not to act as a legal requirement.
Are EPC Recommendations Mandatory?
No. EPC recommendations are not mandatory for homeowners or sellers.
You are not legally required to carry out recommended improvements in order to sell a property, provided a valid EPC is in place.
This is a common misunderstanding and often leads to unnecessary concern when preparing a home for market.
Do EPC Recommendations Matter When Selling?
While recommendations are advisory, they can still influence buyer perception.
Buyers may:
- Use recommendations to estimate future upgrade costs
- Compare efficiency potential between similar properties
- Raise questions during negotiations
This is particularly relevant in traditional housing markets such as Hereford, where older homes often display longer recommendation lists due to construction age.
How Landlords Should View EPC Recommendations
For landlords, EPC recommendations are often viewed through a compliance lens.
While recommendations themselves are not enforceable, landlords must still ensure the property meets minimum energy efficiency standards.
In rental-heavy markets such as Chelmsford, many landlords use EPC recommendations as a planning tool to future-proof properties ahead of potential regulatory changes.
Why Some Recommendations Appear Unrealistic
EPC software applies standard assumptions. As a result, some recommendations may:
- Be impractical for certain property types
- Offer limited real-world benefit
- Conflict with conservation or structural constraints
This is particularly common in properties with mixed construction or extensions — often seen in areas such as Exeter, where period homes have been altered over time.
Should You Act on EPC Recommendations?
Whether to act depends on your goals.
- Sellers may choose improvements that boost appeal
- Landlords may prioritise cost-effective upgrades
- Homeowners may ignore recommendations entirely
Understanding how EPC ratings influence buyer behaviour can help inform these decisions, as explored in our guide on how EPC ratings affect house prices, rentals and buyer demand.
Do EPC Recommendations Affect Costs?
Recommendations do not affect the cost of an EPC itself. However, confusion around recommendations often delays bookings or causes unnecessary follow-up assessments.
A full breakdown of EPC pricing is covered in our guide on how much an EPC costs in the UK.
Booking an EPC
If you need a new EPC for selling or letting, arranging an assessment early helps avoid delays and confusion.
EPC assessments can be booked via the online booking page.
Conclusion
EPC recommendations are guidance tools, not legal demands. Understanding their purpose allows property owners to separate useful advice from unnecessary pressure — and approach sales or lettings with confidence.
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