In the United Kingdom, when selling, renting out, or constructing a property, an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is usually required. This document provides key information about a building’s energy use, which is important for buyers and tenants. It is important to order an EPC before you start marketing the property. In Scotland, additional requirements apply – the EPC should also be displayed in the property. The EPC is registered on the EPC register, so it can be verified. The document remains valid for 10 years, unless upgrades have been carried out in the building that affect its efficiency. In such a case, it may be necessary to obtain a new document.
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a required document used when selling or renting out a property in the United Kingdom, as well as for new builds. It specifies a building’s energy demand and includes information on energy efficiency, CO2 emissions, and annual energy consumption. Having it is important in property transactions because it helps assess future running costs. The document is prepared by an accredited assessor based on an energy assessment of the property, which affects the reliability of the data. The energy rating – from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient) – makes it easier to compare properties in terms of energy use and potential costs. The EPC has a unique number and is available on the EPC register, which makes verification easier for interested parties. This is not only a formal requirement, but also a way to increase transparency and the attractiveness of a property for potential buyers or tenants.
Are you planning to sell, rent out, or build a property? In that case, an EPC is usually required. Importantly, the EPC must be ordered before you start marketing the property, so that the listing and the offer process comply with the rules in force. In practice, the obligation applies to the unit being sold or rented out – for example, a house or a specific flat. For multi-unit properties, the scope of the requirement may depend on what exactly is the subject of the transaction. It is worth remembering that an EPC is not only a requirement, but also a valuable source of information for buyers and tenants, because it helps to better estimate future running costs. It is also worth paying attention to technical solutions such as a heat exchanger, which can improve a building’s energy efficiency and reduce the costs of using it.
There are exceptions to the requirement to have an EPC, but their scope and definitions may vary depending on the part of the UK – it is worth checking the current guidance for your location. For example, exemptions may apply to, among others, places of worship, temporary buildings, or some detached buildings with a floor area below 50 m².
The process of obtaining an EPC includes several key stages:
It is important that the EPC is prepared by a person with the appropriate accreditation – only then will the document comply with the requirements in force. For the assessor to carry out a full assessment, it is necessary to provide the property’s technical data. In practice, it can be helpful to contact the building administration or the person managing the property to obtain the necessary information and avoid delays.
The price of an EPC depends on several factors, such as the location and size of the property. In larger cities, costs may be higher. The final price is also affected by the scope of the assessment needed to prepare the certificate, so it is worth planning the budget in advance and checking the offer of an accredited assessor.
Not having a current EPC when selling or renting out a property can lead to consequences – both formal and financial. Depending on the local rules in a given part of the UK, the lack of the document may result in sanctions and make it more difficult, and in some cases impossible, to carry out marketing activities and complete the transaction smoothly. The lack of an EPC also affects the level of transparency – potential buyers or tenants may be less willing to enter into an agreement if they do not have access to information about the building’s energy efficiency. As a result, the sale or letting process may take longer. What is more, the lack of an EPC can negatively affect the perceived value of the property, as buyers may assume higher running costs. An EPC is not only an obligation, but also an opportunity to demonstrate the building’s energy efficiency – and for many buyers and tenants this is an important argument.
In the process of selling a property, an important role is played by people supporting the transaction, such as the estate agent and the solicitor handling the formalities. One of their tasks is to ensure that the required documents – including the EPC – are available at the right stage and provided to the interested parties. The EPC is not merely a formality: it is an important element that increases transaction transparency and makes it easier to assess a property’s energy efficiency. A missing EPC can cause additional complications and delays, so it is worth taking care of the document early enough, especially given the requirement to order an EPC before you start marketing the property.
An EPC is a key document that determines a building’s energy efficiency. Standardly, it is valid for 10 years, but in some cases it may require an earlier update. Property owners should regularly check its expiry date to avoid problems when selling or renting out. If significant upgrades have been carried out in the building, such as replacing the heating system or installing new windows, it may be appropriate to obtain a new EPC. Such changes affect energy consumption, so the document should reflect the property’s current technical condition. It is also worth keeping up to date with the current guidance for your part of the UK to avoid unpleasant surprises.
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