An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) provides information about a property's energy efficiency and gives it a rating from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient).
While not every property requires an EPC, many homes being sold or rented will need a valid certificate before they can be marketed.
When Is an EPC Required?
In most cases, you'll need a valid EPC if you're:
- Selling a residential property.
- Letting a property to new tenants.
- Constructing a new dwelling.
There are some exemptions, such as certain listed buildings where compliance would unacceptably alter their character, temporary buildings and a small number of other property types.
Can You Market a Property Without an EPC?
If a property requires an EPC, it should generally be commissioned before it is marketed for sale or rent.
Estate agents will usually request confirmation that an EPC has been arranged, and prospective buyers or tenants often expect to see the property's energy rating when viewing online listings.
What Could Happen If You Don't Have One?
Not having a valid EPC where one is legally required can create unnecessary complications.
These may include:
- Delays in marketing your property.
- Potential enforcement action by the relevant authority.
- Reduced information for buyers or tenants when comparing properties.
Arranging an EPC early in the process is usually the simplest way to avoid these issues.
How Long Does an EPC Last?
An EPC is normally valid for 10 years.
If your existing certificate is still within its validity period, you may not need to arrange a new assessment unless you want an updated rating following energy-efficiency improvements.
You can check whether your property already has a valid certificate using our EPC Register.
How Much Does an EPC Cost?
Prices vary depending on the property's size and location.
If you'd like an estimate before booking, try our EPC Cost Calculator.
Can You Improve Your EPC Before Selling?
Many homeowners choose to make energy-efficiency improvements before putting their property on the market.
Common improvements include upgrading insulation, replacing inefficient boilers and installing modern heating controls.
Our EPC Improvement Calculator can help you identify improvements that may have the biggest impact on your rating.
Why EPCs Matter to Buyers
Energy costs remain an important consideration for many buyers. A good EPC rating can give purchasers greater confidence about likely running costs and highlight improvements that have already been made to the property.
If you'd like to learn more, read our guide on how EPC ratings can affect house prices, rental demand and buyer behaviour.
Need an EPC?
If your property requires a new certificate, arranging it before marketing can help keep your sale or letting on track.
Move-Nest offers EPCs across the UK, including locations such as Preston, Reading and Stockport.
You can arrange an assessment through our online booking page in just a few minutes.
Conclusion
If your property legally requires an EPC, arranging one early is usually the easiest way to avoid delays and provide buyers or tenants with the information they expect. Before booking, it's worth checking whether a valid certificate already exists, and if improvements have been made since your last assessment, a new EPC may better reflect your property's current energy performance.
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