What is an EPC?

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An energy performance certificate, in simple terms, rates the energy performance and associated costs of your property from A to G, with A being the most efficient and G being the least efficient. To legally let or rent out your house, the property must be rated E or above. To sell your property, it can be any rating. 

 

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Do I need an EPC?

 

 

Energy performance certificates are required whenever you sell, rent out or let out your property. This includes holiday lets that are available for let for more than four months each year although there are some exemptions. 

 

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An EPC check requires a visit to be undertaken by our registered energy assessors, who will review the property features and existing energy measures. Contrary to popular belief, it is not the assessor who determines the rating, instead it is sophisticated software which takes into account the energy measures and features found and seen at the property to produce a rating and EPC certificate. Recommendations on how to improve the energy rating including indicative costs will also be provided on the certificate. 

 

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EPCs are valid for a period of 10 years so your property may already have one, although the property owner can request a new one is undertaken at any time. It is good practice to request a new EPC whenever you are selling or letting your property out, especially if an existing EPC is several years old and modifications have been made to the property since it was reviewed.

 

 

 

By the end of 2025, the government has proposed all properties that are being let out must have a minimum C rating as part of efforts to reduce the impact on global warming although there are some exceptions for listed buildings. It is also proposed all existing tenancies are a minimum C rating from the end of 2028. The Bill is currently going through Parliament. 

 

 

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