Home energy

Do you need an EPC?

You need an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) to sell or let almost any property in the UK, and a new build needs one on completion. You must have ordered it before you market the home. An EPC lasts 10 years, costs around £35 to £120, and a rented property must usually be rated E or better. A few buildings are exempt, such as some listed buildings, places of worship and very small or temporary buildings.

When you need an EPC

An EPC rates a property's energy efficiency from A (most efficient) to G, and is valid for 10 years. You legally need a valid EPC when you:

  • Sell a property: you must have ordered an EPC before you put it on the market, and provide it to buyers.
  • Let a property: you need one before marketing, and (under Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards) it must usually be rated E or better to grant a new tenancy.
  • Build a new home: an EPC is required on completion.

Exemptions

A few buildings do not need an EPC, including:

  • Some listed buildings, where meeting the minimum energy standards would unacceptably alter their character (this is nuanced, so check).
  • Places of worship and other religious buildings.
  • Temporary buildings to be used for two years or less.
  • Standalone buildings under 50 square metres of floor space.
  • Industrial sites, workshops and agricultural buildings with low energy demand.
  • Buildings due to be demolished.

Cost, validity and how to get one

An EPC typically costs around £35 to £120 and lasts 10 years, so you may already have a valid one. Check the official register first (it is free), and if you need a new one it must be produced by an accredited domestic energy assessor.

Sources

Adam Parker

Adam Parker

Editor, VettedHome

Adam leads VettedHome's editorial coverage of UK home services. He is the founder and managing director of Muswell Rose, the commercial strategy and modern systems business behind a portfolio of UK information sites, and he researches and writes the plain-English guides that help homeowners choose between installers and trades, drawing on the standards set by the relevant bodies for each job, such as Gas Safe Register, NICEIC, MCS, TrustMark and the Property Care Association. He is clear about what to check before any work starts.

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