Do I need an EPC to sell my house?

Selling a house requires a considerable amount of paperwork, including an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). But, what exactly is an EPC, and is it necessary to sell your house?

In the UK, obtaining an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a legal requirement for selling your house, and it must be obtained before you market your property for sale.

What is an EPC?

An EPC is an Energy Performance Certificate that provides information about the energy efficiency of a property and includes recommendations on how to improve its energy performance. The certificate rates the energy efficiency of a property on the scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient), and provides an estimated cost of energy use for the property.

How can I get an EPC?

You can arrange an EPC assessment through a qualified Accredited Energy Assessor, who will visit your property to carry out an inspection and produce the certificate.

The Accredited Domestic Energy Assessor will collect data on your property’s energy performance and produce a report. The report will contain information on the energy efficiency rating of your property, with recommendations for improving its energy efficiency, and provide an estimate of the property’s annual energy costs.

How long are EPCs valid for?

Fortunately, EPCs are valid for ten years and can be used for multiple sales or lettings during that time. Additionally, they are transferable, so you don't need to worry about obtaining a new certificate if you sell your property, as the certificate will be passed on to the next owner.

What if I don't have an EPC?

If you're selling or renting a property in the UK, it's a legal requirement to have a valid EPC. Failure to obtain one can result in fines ranging from £500 to £5,000.

It's also important to make the EPC available to prospective tenants and buyers. As a tenant, you don't need to obtain an EPC, but you can request one from your landlord to ensure that the property meets the minimum energy efficiency standards.

When is an EPC required?

An EPC is required when a property is:

• Built
• Sold
• Rented

When is an EPC not required?

An EPC is not required for:

• Places of worship
• Temporary buildings which will be used for less than two years
• Industrial sites
• Workshops
• Non- agricultural buildings that don’t use a lot of energy
• Buildings that are due to be demolished
• Listed buildings
• Residential buildings intended to be used for less than four months a year
• Holiday accommodation that's rented out for less than four months a year
• Stand alone buildings that use a total of floor space under 50 square feet

For more information have a look at Our EPC guide!

Can I check to see if a property already has an EPC?

Yes you can! In fact, you can use Government tools to help you find out if a property you’re interested in buying has one. For example, our GetAgent EPC checker can find you an EPC for any property in England.

Alternatively, you can request a copy of the EPC from the person or company who provided it, such as the estate agent or landlord.

Selling your house without an EPC

Selling your house without an EPC is not only illegal in the UK but it can also negatively impact the sale of your property. By not obtaining an EPC, you run the risk of facing legal consequences, and potential buyers may view this as a red flag.

It's always best to be upfront and provide all the necessary documentation to potential buyers, including a valid EPC, to ensure a smooth and successful sale.

Potential buyers may also be wary of purchasing a property without an EPC, as it could indicate the property is not energy-efficient, or requires costly upgrades.

With a valid EPC, potential sellers can confidently market their home, meet legal requirements, and attract potential buyers who value energy efficiency.

Tips for improving your property’s energy efficiency

There are many ways a homeowner can improve their property’s energy efficiency, these include:

1. Installing insulation in the walls, roof and floors.
2. Upgrade energy- efficiency appliances, such as fridges, washing machines and boilers.
3. Install double glazed windows which can help reduce heat loss and noise pollution.
4. Use LED bulbs instead of traditional bulbs to reduce energy and last longer.

By implementing these energy-saving measures, homeowners can both improve the energy efficiency in their homes and reduce their overall carbon footprint.

The benefits of having an EPC

Having an EPC for your property can have many benefits!

1. It can help you to identify areas where you can make energy-saving improvements, which can reduce your energy bills and carbon footprint.

2. It can potentially increase the value of your property, as buyers are often willing to pay more for a property that has a higher EPC rating.

3. Having an EPC is a legal requirement in the UK when selling or renting out a property. Obtaining an EPC can help you avoid potential legal issues, or delays in the sale or rental process.

4. An EPC is valid for 10 years, and so once you have one, you won't need to worry about getting another one till later down the line.

Overall EPC’s are an important tool for improving the energy efficiency of buildings and reducing their overall environmental impact. They can provide valuable information for property owners, buyers and tenants.

Sell Your Home Faster with an EPC: Essential Tips

1. Find an accredited EPC assessor: You can find an accredited assessor through the GOV.UK website, or through an estate agent. The assessor will visit your property and assess its energy efficiency.

2. Receive your EPC: The EPC will show the rating of your property’s energy efficiency, from a score between A to G.

3. Include the EPC in your property’s listing: Once you’ve obtained your EPC, you need to include it in your property listing. This can be done by providing a copy of the EPC to your estate agent or by including it in your online property listing.

4. Make any necessary energy efficiency improvements: If your EPC recommends making improvements, you may want to consider these before putting your property on the market. This can make your property more attractive to potential buyers.

5. Provide the EPC to potential buyers: Provide a copy of your EPC to potential buyers before they make an offer on your property. The EPC can either be a digital or physical copy.

Hire an experienced estate agent who can market your property to the best of their ability. If you’re concerned about finding the right agent for you, have a look at our Free Online GetAgent Comparison Tool!

Selling tips for a successful sale!

There are many things you can do to get your property sold with an EPC, especially if you have a high score, which you can use to attract potential buyers.

These selling tips are:

1. Improve your property’s efficiency: Your EPC will provide recommendations for making your property more energy-efficient, such as upgrading your insulation or installing double glazing. By making these improvements you can improve your property’s energy rating and make it more attractive to potential buyers.

2. Declutter and stage your property: Before putting your property on the market, take time to declutter, remove all personal items and stage the home for viewings. This can help buyers truly envision themselves in your home, as well as see its full potential.

3. Paint and update: Touch up on paint where needed, consider neutral colours that appeal to a wide range of buyers.

4. Set an appropriate price: Setting the right price for your property is essential for a successful sale! Work with an experienced estate agent to determine a fair market value for your property based on similar properties in the area.

If you’re concerned about how much your house is worth, use our Free Online Valuation Tool, to find an estimated value of your home within a matter of minutes.

Summary: Having a valid Energy Performance Certificate is essential to a successful home sale.

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a key element of a successful home sale. A valid EPC is not only a legal requirement but also provides valuable information on a property's energy efficiency and potential running costs.

While the idea of preparing for a home sale may be stressful, obtaining an EPC doesn't have to be. With the proper preparations in place, including obtaining a valid EPC and using an experienced and efficient estate agent, potential sellers can confidently put their home on the market, knowing they have met all the necessary requirements, and can expect a successful sale.