What is an EPC?

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a document that provides vital information about a property’s energy efficiency. It rates the property on a scale from A to G, with A being the most energy-efficient and G the least. It is mandatory for properties in the UK being built, sold or rented to have an EPC, and offers valuable insights into the energy consumption, costs and improvements that can be made.

What is an EPC Certificate?

The EPC certificate is the report completed by the assessor that follows the physical assessment, detailing the property’s energy efficiency rating, estimated energy costs, and recommendations for improvement. This document is crucial for both sellers and landlords as it discloses essential information to potential buyers or tenants.

What is an EPC Check?

An EPC check involves a physical assessment conducted by a qualified energy assessor. During this process, the assessor will need access to your property and will look at various factors such as insulation, heating systems, windows and lighting are evaluated to determine the property’s energy efficiency rating.

What information Does an EPC report contain?

The EPC provides a clear overview of a property’s energy performance and its energy efficiency rating, helping homeowners and potential buyers make informed decisions and make improvements to their property and giving a guide of annual costs, the costs of making the suggested improvements and how much this is likely to save you. It even offers guidance on how to make potential energy-saving measures and estimates the property’s carbon dioxide emissions (environmental impact rating).

Who Carries Out the EPC Assessment?

Certified energy assessors conduct EPC assessments. These professionals have the expertise to evaluate a property’s energy performance accurately. The EPC Register is a directory of accredited Energy Assessors throughout the UK.

How to Read an EPC?

Understanding an EPC involves reviewing the energy efficiency rating, potential recommendations, and estimated energy costs. The is no legal obligation to make the suggested improvements, although if you are a landlord, your property has to be rated category E or above. The accompanying charts and graphs offer a visual representation of the property’s energy consumption and can be really helpful for Both homeowners to understand how to improve their property and also buyers to understand how much it will cost them to run that property.

What is a Good EPC Rating?

A good EPC rating is typically within the A to C range, signifying high energy efficiency. A property given a high energy efficiency rating is likely to be well insulated, including loft insulation, with double-glazed windows, and a covered boiler. This not only benefits the environment but can also lead to lower energy bills for occupants.

How Do I Get an EPC?

To obtain an EPC, property owners need to hire a qualified energy assessor who will conduct the assessment in person and provide the report and certification. This needs to be done before marketing the property for sale or rent and is valid for a period of 10 years. The Certificate is then sent to the agent and/or property owner within 2 days, is logged with the Landmark Registry and stored on the government portal, where you can find a copy of your report.

Why Do I Need an EPC as a Seller?

For sellers, having an EPC is a legal requirement when placing a property on the market. It provides transparency about the property’s energy efficiency, influencing a buyer’s decision-making process. The EPC report will be attached to your property listing when you sell your home and estate agents can often arrange one for you, if convenience is important to you.

Why Do I Need an EPC as a Buyer?

As a buyer, reviewing the EPC helps you understand the running costs associated with the property and how you can make improvements and save on energy bills. It serves as a valuable tool for comparing energy efficiency across potential homes and if you are buying a property with a poor EPC rating, it may be that you can use the report as evidence for price negotiations on completing aspects of the suggested work or negotiate with the seller to make some improvements before completion.

Why Do I Need an EPC as a Landlord?

Landlords are legally obligated to provide an EPC to prospective tenants and ensure the EPC is updated every 10 years. This information helps tenants in making informed choices about their potential energy expenses in a rental property.