Energy Performance Certificates
If you are selling, renting, or building a property in the UK, you must have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) before putting the home on the market.1 An EPC provides an expert, standardised overview of a property's energy efficiency and highlights its environmental impact in a clear, easy-to-understand way. While buyers do not need to arrange an EPC themselves, reviewing a property's EPC is highly recommended before completing a purchase. Uncovering a home's energy efficiency early gives you the information you need to estimate your future utility bills, and the certificate provides a customised list of recommended improvements to help you save money and reduce carbon emissions over time.
Why Choose An Accredited Assessor
A valid EPC can only be produced after an in-depth visual inspection by a qualified Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA). By using a regulated professional on the national EPC register, you ensure the assessment is impartial, reliable, and conducted to strict government standards. During the visit, the assessor will examine key elements of the property, including the heating system, insulation, windows, and lighting, to calculate the home's overall energy performance.
Understanding EPC Ratings
To make comparing properties simple and transparent, homes are graded on a colour-coded scale from A to G, resulting in a certified energy rating that is valid for 10 years.
The A To G Scale
An 'A' rating (dark green) means the property is highly efficient and will have the lowest running costs, while a 'G' rating (red) indicates poor efficiency and high running costs. In 2024, the average energy efficiency rating for a home in England and Wales was 'D'.2
The 10-Year Lifespan
Once issued, an EPC is valid for 10 years. You do not need to get a new one every time you sell or rent out the property during that time, provided the building has not been significantly altered. However, if you make major energy improvements, such as installing a new boiler, solar panels, or heavy insulation, you can complete a new EPC before the old one expires. Voluntarily obtaining a new certificate to reflect the upgraded rating can boost your property's value and, crucially, may mean the property now qualifies for discounted Green Mortgages.
How To Find Your EPC On The Register
If you want to check if a property already has a valid EPC, you can easily look it up online for free. The UK government maintains a central database for storing certificates.
To find a certificate for a property in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland, visit the Government's 'Find an energy certificate' service. You can search the register using the property's postcode, the street name and town, or the specific certificate number. Once located, you can view the full document online or download a PDF copy for your records.
If your search returns no results, it means either the property does not have an energy certificate or it has expired. Note that if you are looking for a property in Scotland, you will need to use the separate Scottish EPC Register.
Existing Homes Vs New Build
The type of assessment required depends on the property's age.
Existing Property EPC
This is the standard certificate required for existing homes going on the market for sale or let. The assessor visits the property in person to gather data on its current state to feed into the standard calculation software.
On Construction EPC (New Builds)
If you are buying a brand-new home, the developer must provide an ‘On Construction’ EPC. Because the home is built to modern building regulations, this assessment is usually done off-plan by a specialist SAP (Standard Assessment Procedure) assessor. It relies on the architect's plans and the developer's specifications rather than a physical inspection, ensuring the new build meets strict contemporary energy and carbon standards.
Understanding EPC Costs
The cost of an EPC varies based on the size, location, and complexity of the property, as well as the specific assessor you choose. Generally, an EPC for a standard residential property costs between £60 and £120. Because there is no fixed government fee for the assessment, assessors calculate their price based on the time required to survey the home and associated business costs, such as travel.
Get A Quote For Your EPC
To make arranging your EPC as simple as possible, we have partnered with SortRefer to provide access to a panel of fully qualified national assessors. Through our dedicated portal, you can generate instant quotes for a certified professional to visit your property and produce a valid EPC. You can compare prices and instruct an assessor directly through the secure platform.
To start comparing options and find the right professional for your property, visit our bespoke quotation page.
Why EPCs Matter For Mortgages
It is important to understand that a property's EPC rating can directly impact your mortgage options.
Green Mortgages
Many lenders now offer ‘Green Mortgages’, which provide discounted interest rates or cashback incentives if you are buying a highly energy-efficient home (typically rated A or B). If you are renovating a home to improve its rating, some lenders also offer additional green borrowing products to help fund the upgrades.
Buy To Let Restrictions
If you are a landlord, the EPC is a critical compliance document. Under the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES), it is currently illegal to let a property in England and Wales if it has an EPC rating of F or G (unless a valid exemption is registered).3 Lenders will check the EPC on a Buy To Let mortgage application to ensure the property is legally lettable.
Expert Guidance For Your Property Journey
Whether you need to arrange an EPC to sell your home, want to understand how an EPC rating affects your Buy To Let investment, or are looking to secure a Green Mortgage, we are here to support you. As a completely fee-free mortgage broker, Mortgage Winners is dedicated to making the entire property process as smooth and straightforward as possible, ensuring you have the expert guidance you need at every step.
1. https://www.gov.uk/selling-a-home/energy-performance-certificates
2. https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/housing/articles/energyefficiencyofhousinginenglandandwales/2024
3. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/domestic-private-rented-property-minimum-energy-efficiency-standard-landlord-guidance
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