Guide to Energy Performance Certificates

Homeowners and landlords will need to request an EPC certificate for a property they are selling or renting in the UK, and they must show it to you. Estate agents or letting agents should ensure there’s a valid EPC certificate for any property they're selling or letting on behalf of a client.

How does an EPC work?

If you're looking to get a new EPC, it's best to find an accredited energy assessor through the government's EPC register.

If you're selling your home, your estate agent may offer to arrange it for you but it's usually a more expensive option.

You can find an existing EPC certificate through the Government website.

Find an existing EPC certificate

Although you can request a new EPC online, it is a physical survey, so an accredited assessor will need to visit the property to carry out the survey.

You can also find out if a home or property already has an EPC certificate online too, just be sure to follow the correct process for England, Wales, Northern Ireland or Scotland.

It can typically cost between £60 and £120 to get your property on the EPC register. This will vary, so it is worth comparing a few different quotes — but make sure your assessor is registered.

Getting an assessment done directly rather than through an estate agent can help reduce the cost too.

Find an assessor in your area

The actual assessment takes about 45 minutes to an hour, but it could vary depending on the size of your home. You get your certificate pretty quickly, usually a couple of days, but you can check with the assessor when booking them, how long it takes them to put the report together.

It’s a personal choice, but the higher the score the less you could spend on bills and the lower your carbon footprint - better for your pocket and the climate.

If your heart is set on a home with a lower rating, you could also consider making home energy saving improvements.

How to improve your EPC rating

It’s best to get advice from your local authority conservation officer if the work would alter the building’s character.