Everything you need to know about EPC's

Energy Performance Certificates (EPC’s) are needed whenever a property is built, sold or rented. It is important to check that your EPC is still valid and the rating is E or higher, properties need this before they can be let. An EPC is accredited upon assessment of the property and carried out by a licensed Domestic Energy Assessor. It is valid for 10 years. From 1st April 2020, it is not possible to let any domestic property that has an EPC rating of F or below. The government is now considering increasing this restriction to an EPC rating of C or below from 2025 or 2026.

What is an EPC rating?

An EPC rating is a review of a property’s energy efficiency. Would-be buyers or renters primarily use them to see how much their energy bills will cost in their new house or flat.

How is an EPC worked out?

An EPC relates to the amount of energy used per m² and the level of carbon dioxide emissions. A Domestic Energy assessor will also evaluate the types of insulation installed in your property. Existing insulation is measured and compared against a standard.

How can you improve your EPC quickly?

Insulation is likely to improve you EPC and achieve a better rating. The highest EPC is normally achieved with a high performance heating system that is either a modern condensing gas boiler or alternatively a system that is renewable. A DEA (Domestic Energy Assessor) will evaluate the efficiency of the loft and cavity wall insulation along with the windows and lighting. In order to get an A rating it may be necessary to install renewable energy such as solar panels or heat pumps but the cost of these normally start at £6,000, The government plans to ban gas boilers in new-build homes from 2025 due to it being one of the greatest contributors of pollution. Beyond this date, newly installed heating systems would need to be low-carbon or able to be converted to use clean-burning fuel such as hydrogen.

Can an EPC make a property more appealing? 

A good EPC can certainly improve how attractive your home is to potential buyers\renters. Energy efficiency means lower bills for buyers and renters. Studies by both the UK government Department of Energy & Climate Change, and an independent study by MyMoneySupermarket have shown that an EPC can improve the value of a home.

Does the EPC rating affect the house price?

The Higher the EPC rating the more appealing the home is to buyers as they won’t be beholden to potentially costly improvements or bills so it can influence the final selling price. However, this does depend on the buyer. Here at Hamptons our customers value charming homes that are Edwardian and sometimes, do not place high value on EPC. However, with increasing pressure from the government we predict that in the future stronger legislation will be introduced on properties that have low EPC ratings, which could have implications for Hamptons’ customers. While all homes need to have an EPC before they can be sold or let, there is no benefit in choosing a more expensive provider as they provide the same certificate. EPCs cost up to £120 however the government website also has information about local providers in your area, Find out more.