Getting an EPC for Your House

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a valuable tool in managing your home’s energy consumption and it pays itself off in a variety of ways. As well as benefitting your wallet in the short term and contributing to a greener environment, a higher EPC rating can also significantly enhance your home’s value. Potential buyers increasingly prioritise energy efficiency, making a property with a good EPC rating more attractive and potentially fetching a higher price.

What is an EPC?

Think of an EPC as a comprehensive evaluation of your home’s energy use. It assigns a grade from A (highly efficient) to G (less efficient), highlighting areas where energy is consumed and potential areas for improvement.

This information empowers you to make informed decisions about upgrades and renovations that can significantly impact your energy bills.

What are the benefits of an EPC?

An EPC will identify exactly where your energy is going, from heating and hot water to sneaky energy guzzlers you may not have considered. This newfound awareness is your key to unlocking potential savings you never thought possible.

An EPC typically includes a detailed breakdown of recommended improvements, outlining specific actions you can take to enhance your home’s energy performance. It also often provides estimated costs and potential savings associated with each recommendation, allowing you to prioritise upgrades based on your budget and desired return on investment. You can target improvements that offer the biggest bang for your buck, leading to long-term savings you can feel with every bill. 

And the benefits don’t stop there. Your EPC also shines a light on your home’s environmental impact. By understanding your carbon footprint, you can see how your energy choices affect the planet and take steps to shrink your environmental footprint. Every little bit counts and even small changes can make a big difference.

And let’s not forget about the potential to boost your home’s value. A higher EPC rating makes your property more attractive to buyers, potentially fetching you a higher price when it’s time to sell. 

Think of it as an investment that pays off twice: first in lower bills, and then in a bigger profit down the line.

How do I check if my property has an EPC?

It’s very easy to find out if your property has an EPC – all the records are held with GOV.UK and can be checked online for free. Simply go to gov.uk/find-energy-certificate and enter the details of the property you’d like to check. You can then view the details of your EPC, including the certificate number, energy rating (current and potential), breakdown of energy performance and more.

When do I need an EPC?

If you are the owner of your property and have no intention of selling, then you don’t have to have an EPC (but there are still positive reasons for getting one, including identifying where you can be more energy efficient).

If you are planning to sell your property then you must have an up-to-date EPC that is available free-of-charge to prospective buyers. 

If you are a landlord with a rental property then, by law, you must have an energy performance certificate (EPC) that proves your property meets Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES). 

Failure to have an up-to-date EPC available can result in a fine, and failure to meet the MEES can lead to a penalty of up to £5,000.

Are there any properties that are exempt from needing an EPC?

Most properties will need an EPC when you come to sell them. Listed buildings may be exempt, but you should always check with the local authority conservation officer to make sure. Temporary structures (not intended to be lived in for more than 2 years) are exempt, but these are very uncommon. Other properties that are exempt include holiday accommodation used less than 4 months a year, small buildings with less than 50sqm of useful floor space and places of worship!

How can I get a new EPC?

If your property doesn’t have an EPC or if it has expired, you can begin the process here. You will need to arrange an assessment from an approved assessor who will come and inspect your property. The cost is dependent on the size of your property and may also vary by assessor, but is typically £60-£120. After the assessment, you will receive a digital copy of your Energy Performance Certificate.

Does the EPC rating affect the value of my house?

There are plenty of studies that indicate buyers are taking a much greater interest in the energy efficiency of a property. MAB reported that over 70% of homebuyers state it is an important part of their decision making. 

Moneysupermarket report that a higher EPC rating can increase the value of your property – by as much as 14%. 

At the other end of the scale, it can be much more difficult to sell a property with an F or G rating (the lowest you can get). It puts prospective buyers off as they face the prospect of higher energy bills or significant costs to improve the property. 

What if I can’t afford to make any changes?

Government schemes and grants are often available to support energy-saving initiatives. By understanding your EPC rating and recommended improvements, you can explore these resources and potentially reduce the financial burden of making your home more efficient.

How can HBB help?

Obtaining an EPC for your house is not simply a compliance requirement when selling your property; it’s a strategic investment in both your wallet and the environment. By understanding your home’s energy performance and implementing recommended improvements, you can enjoy lower energy bills, increased property value, and the satisfaction of contributing to a greener future.

If you’re concerned about whether you’ll be able to sell your property if it has a low EPC rating then it might be worth exploring alternative ways to sell. You could consider putting your property into auction, or selling to a property buying company – like House Buyer Bureau. We’re much less concerned about the EPC rating than a private buyer would be, and will give you a fair (no obligation) cash offer for your property in just a couple of phone calls.

Chris

Chris

Chris has worked in property all his career, first as a successful estate agent before spotting a gap in the market for buying property directly from people looking for a simple, quick sale.

He has a passion for property and as an experienced valuer, has looked at well over 50,000 properties so far at HBB. He has extensive experience in property buying and regularly comments in the press on property matters, trends and promotes ways to simplify and speed up the selling process.

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