Domestic Energy Performance Certificates
What Is a Domestic EPC?
An Energy Performance Certificate, usually called an EPC, shows how energy efficient a home is and gives it a rating from A to G.
EPC Rating Scale
What does an EPC show?
An EPC gives an overview of a property's energy performance. It helps buyers, tenants, homeowners and landlords understand how efficiently a home uses energy and where improvements may be possible.
Energy rating
Your property's current energy efficiency rating, from A to G.
Estimated costs
Indicative energy use for heating, lighting and hot water.
Environmental impact
Information about the property's carbon dioxide emissions.
Improvement advice
Recommendations and the potential rating after improvements.
Selling, letting or building
When do you need an EPC?
In most cases, you need an EPC when a home is being marketed for sale, rented to tenants or newly constructed.
An EPC is normally valid for 10 years, unless a newer certificate is produced first.
Arrange your EPC assessment →You will usually need an EPC if you are:
- ✓ Selling your home
- ✓ Letting a property to tenants
- ✓ Marketing a home through an estate or letting agent
- ✓ Completing a new-build home
Some property types and situations may be exempt. Contact us if you are unsure.
The assessment process
What happens during an EPC assessment?
A qualified Domestic Energy Assessor visits the property and records information that affects its energy performance. The assessment is non-invasive and does not involve drilling, lifting floors or carrying out a structural survey.
Book a visit
Choose a suitable date and time.
Property assessment
We inspect relevant visible features of your home.
EPC lodged
Your certificate is prepared and lodged.
Certificate received
You receive your EPC for sale or letting.
During the visit, we will typically review:
Most domestic EPC assessments take around an hour, depending on the size and complexity of the property.
Why does your EPC rating matter?
- ✓ Required for many property sales and lettings
- ✓ Identifies possible energy-efficiency upgrades
- ✓ Helps buyers and tenants compare homes
- ✓ Shows a potential future rating after improvements
- ✓ Helps landlords check minimum requirements
For homeowners and landlords
Improve comfort and understand your property
A stronger EPC rating can make a home more appealing to buyers and tenants. The recommendations can also help identify practical upgrades such as better insulation, heating controls or more efficient systems.
For privately rented homes that need an EPC, landlords may need to meet minimum energy-efficiency standards unless a valid exemption applies.
Frequently asked questions
Domestic EPC FAQs
How long is an EPC valid for?
An EPC is normally valid for 10 years. You can arrange a new one sooner if you have made improvements and want it reflected in the rating.
How long does an EPC assessment take?
Most standard properties take around an hour, although larger or more complex homes may take longer.
Do I need to be at the property?
Someone aged 18 or over should normally be present to provide access and answer basic questions where possible.
Can I improve my EPC rating?
Potential improvements can include insulation, heating controls, efficient lighting, glazing upgrades, heating-system improvements or renewable technology.
Can I use an existing EPC?
Yes, provided it is still valid and relates to the same property.
Fast and straightforward EPCs
Need an EPC for your property?
Book a domestic EPC assessment for your home, rental property or property sale.