Yes, an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is absolutely mandatory when selling a house in the UK – it’s a legal requirement that must be obtained before your property can be marketed for sale.
The statistics paint a clear picture of how important EPCs have become in the property market. In the first quarter of 2024 alone, 453,000 Energy Performance Certificates were lodged on the Energy Performance of Buildings Register for both domestic and non-domestic properties in England and Wales. Over the 12 months leading to March 2024, an impressive 1,579,000 domestic EPCs were processed in England, demonstrating just how essential these certificates are for property transactions.
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What exactly is an Energy Performance Certificate?
An Energy Performance Certificate is a document that rates your property’s energy efficiency from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). Think of it as your home’s energy report card – it tells potential buyers how much they might expect to spend on heating bills and what improvements could make the property more energy-efficient.
The certificate includes information about your property’s energy use, expected energy costs, and recommendations for improving energy efficiency. These certificates remain valid for 10 years from the date of issue, so you won’t need to get a new one for every sale if it’s still current.
Do I need an EPC to sell my house privately?
Whether you’re selling through an estate agent or privately, the answer remains the same – you must have a valid EPC. The law doesn’t distinguish between private sales and those conducted through estate agents. You’re legally required to have at least ordered an EPC before your property appears on the market.
Estate agents have a responsibility to ensure the EPC is uploaded within 28 days of the property being listed. However, if you’re selling privately, this responsibility falls squarely on your shoulders.
When don’t I need an EPC for my property sale?
There are specific circumstances where an EPC isn’t required, though these are quite limited. You don’t need an EPC for:
Temporary buildings used for less than 2 years
Stand-alone buildings with less than 50 square metres of floor space
Industrial sites and workshops that don’t use much energy
Some buildings scheduled for demolition
Holiday accommodation rented for less than 4 months yearly
Listed buildings (though you should seek advice from conservation officers)
Places of worship
How much does getting an EPC cost and where do I get one?
The cost of obtaining an EPC ranges from £60 to £120, depending on your property’s size and location. You’ll need to commission an accredited Domestic Energy Assessor to carry out the assessment. Your estate agent can often help arrange this, or you can find an assessor through official channels.
The process is straightforward – the assessor will visit your property, evaluate its energy efficiency features, and provide you with the certificate. Once completed, it’s uploaded to the national EPC Register where potential buyers can access it.
Can I sell my house without a current EPC?
No, you cannot legally market your property without having at least ordered an EPC. However, you don’t need a new certificate if your existing one is still valid (within 10 years).
If you’ve made energy efficiency improvements since your last EPC, it might be worth getting a new assessment. A better energy rating could make your property more attractive to buyers and potentially increase its value.
Does my EPC rating affect my house sale?
Currently, there’s no minimum EPC rating required to sell your property. Even properties with a G rating (the lowest possible) can still find buyers. However, energy efficiency is becoming increasingly important to buyers, especially with rising energy costs.
Properties with higher EPC ratings often attract more interest and can command better prices. Buyers are becoming more conscious of potential energy bills, making energy-efficient homes more desirable in today’s market.
EPC requirements across the UK
| Location | EPC Required | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| England | Yes | Must be available before marketing |
| Wales | Yes | Must be available before marketing |
| Northern Ireland | Yes | Must be available before marketing |
| Scotland | Yes | Part of comprehensive home report including survey and questionnaire |
The table above shows that while EPCs are required throughout the UK, Scotland has additional requirements. Scottish sellers must provide a complete home report, making the process slightly more comprehensive than in other parts of the UK.
Alternative selling methods: we buy any house services
If arranging an EPC feels overwhelming or you’re facing time constraints, companies like Property Saviour offer we buy any house services that can simplify the entire process. We handle all the necessary paperwork, including EPC arrangements, removing the stress from your shoulders.
These services are particularly valuable when you’re dealing with inherited properties, urgent relocations, or financial pressures where traditional sales timelines simply don’t work. Property Saviour understands that selling your home can be emotionally challenging, and we’re committed to making the process as smooth as possible while ensuring you receive a fair, guaranteed offer.
What happens if I don’t get an EPC?
Failing to obtain an EPC when required can result in financial penalties. The government takes these requirements seriously, and you could face fines for non-compliance. Beyond the legal implications, you simply cannot market your property without one – estate agents won’t list it, and private buyers will expect to see it.
Understanding EPC ratings and what they mean
A-B ratings: Excellent energy efficiency, very low running costs
C-D ratings: Good to average efficiency, moderate running costs
E-F ratings: Below average efficiency, higher running costs
G rating: Poor efficiency, highest running costs
These ratings help buyers understand what they’re taking on in terms of energy costs and potential improvements needed.
Will EPC requirements become stricter?
The government has announced plans to introduce minimum EPC ratings for rental properties by 2028. While this doesn’t directly affect sales currently, it indicates the direction of travel. Energy efficiency is becoming increasingly important in property policy, suggesting that higher EPC ratings may become more valuable over time.
For sellers considering auctioning a property
If you’re considering auctioning a property, you’ll still need an EPC before the auction takes place. Auction houses will request all necessary documentation, including energy certificates, as part of the legal pack available to potential bidders.
The auction process can be faster than traditional sales, but the same legal requirements apply. Your auctioneer will guide you through what’s needed, but having your EPC ready beforehand will prevent any delays.
Getting professional help with your property sale
Whether you’re dealing with EPC requirements, time pressures, or simply want certainty in your sale, professional help is available. Property Saviour specialises in providing guaranteed sales with fixed completion dates, taking the uncertainty out of the selling process.
We understand that every property sale is unique, and we’re here to support you through what can be a stressful time. Our team handles all the legal requirements, including EPC arrangements, so you can focus on your next steps with confidence.
Fast-track options for urgent sales
Sometimes life demands quick decisions. If you need to sell rapidly due to relationship breakdown, financial difficulties, or job relocation, traditional estate agent sales might not fit your timeline. Cash house buyers offer an alternative route that can complete in days rather than months.
These services are particularly valuable when you’re dealing with properties that might struggle on the open market due to condition issues or when you simply cannot afford to wait for the right buyer to appear. While the price might be lower than open market value, the certainty and speed often outweigh this consideration for sellers in urgent situations.
The key is understanding your options and choosing the route that best serves your particular circumstances. Whether that’s traditional sales, auctions, or guaranteed purchase services, make sure you’re fully informed about the EPC requirements and costs involved in each approach.
Sell with certainty & speed
Property Saviour Price Promise
- The price we’ll offer is the price that you will receive with no hidden deductions.
- Be careful with ‘cash buyers’ who require a valuation needed for a mortgage or bridging loan.
- These valuations or surveys result in delays and price reductions later on.
- We are cash buyers. There are no surveys.
- We always provide proof of funds with every formal offer issued.
We'll Pay £1,500 Towards Your Legal Fees
- No long exclusivity agreement to sign because we are the buyers.
- You are welcome to use your own solicitor.Â
- If you don’t have one, we can ask our solicitors for recommendations.
- We share our solicitor’s details and issue a Memorandum of Sale.Â
Sell With Certainty & Speed
- Our approach is transparent and ethical, which is why sellers trust us.
- 100% Discretion guaranteed.Â
- If you have another buyer, you can put us in a contracts race to see who completes first.
- Complete in 10 days or at a timescale that works for you. You are in control.
