If you’re planning to sell your house, you may be wondering, “Do I need an Energy Performance Certificate to sell my house?” The short answer is yes. In this blog, we’ll explain what an EPC is, why it’s essential when selling a property, and how it can affect the process.
An Energy Performance Certificate is a vital document when selling your house. It not only ensures you meet legal requirements but also provides valuable insights for potential buyers. A higher EPC rating can make your property more appealing, potentially boosting its market value.
What is an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)?
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a document prepared by an accredited Domestic Energy Assessor after evaluating your property’s energy efficiency. The assessor will assess various factors, including insulation, heating systems, and windows, to determine how much energy your home consumes and how effectively it retains heat.
The EPC provides two ratings:
- Current Rating: The energy efficiency of your property at the time of the assessment.
- Potential Rating: The energy efficiency your property could achieve if recommended improvements were made.
The ratings range from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient), with suggestions for cost-effective ways to improve energy efficiency. Valid for 10 years, this certificate helps potential buyers understand the property’s energy performance and associated running costs.
Do I Need an EPC to Sell My House?
Yes, it is a legal requirement in the UK to have a valid EPC when selling your property. The law mandates that you must at least have ordered an EPC before your property is put on the market. Estate agents are responsible for ensuring the EPC is uploaded within 28 days of the property being listed.
Key Points About EPCs for Sellers:
- An EPC must be provided to prospective buyers.
- The assessment is carried out by an accredited Domestic Energy Assessor.
- The cost of obtaining an EPC typically ranges between £60 and £120.
- There is no minimum EPC rating required to sell a property, but higher ratings can attract more buyers.
In Scotland, homeowners must include an EPC as part of a more comprehensive “home report,” which also contains a survey and a property questionnaire.
How to Get an EPC
Obtaining an EPC is straightforward. You’ll need to commission an accredited Domestic Energy Assessor to carry out the assessment. The cost typically ranges from £60 to £120, depending on the property’s size and location.
Once issued, the certificate is uploaded to the national EPC Register, where potential buyers can access it and compare your property’s energy performance with others in the area. If you’re working with an estate agent, they can often assist you in arranging the assessment.
What Are the EPC Rating Levels?
EPC ratings are divided into bands from A to G:
- A (92-100 points): Highly efficient, with low energy costs.
- B (81-91 points): Very energy efficient.
- C (69-80 points): Reasonably efficient.
- D (55-68 points): Average efficiency, with room for improvement.
- E (39-54 points): Less efficient, requiring upgrades.
- F (21-38 points): Significant improvements needed.
- G (1-20 points): Poor efficiency, with high running costs.
Can You Sell a Property With a Low EPC Rating?
Yes, you can sell a property with a low EPC rating. However, properties with higher ratings often attract more interest and sell at higher market values due to their energy efficiency benefits. Studies suggest that improving your EPC rating could increase your property’s value by up to 14%.
An Energy Performance Certificate is a vital document when selling your house. It not only ensures you meet legal requirements but also provides valuable insights for potential buyers. A higher EPC rating can make your property more appealing, potentially boosting its market value.
Buyers are becoming increasingly conscious of energy efficiency due to rising energy costs and environmental concerns. Therefore, investing in small upgrades, such as improving insulation or switching to LED lighting, can make your property more attractive and potentially increase its value.
What Happens If You Don’t Have an EPC?
It is a legal requirement to have at least ordered an EPC before putting your property on the market. Failing to comply with this regulation can result in financial penalties. Once the certificate is issued, it remains valid for 10 years, so if you’ve already had an assessment done in the past decade, you may not need to commission a new one.
When is an EPC Not Required?
While an EPC is generally required when selling most properties, there are some exceptions. You won’t need an EPC for:
- Listed buildings.
- Places of worship.
- Temporary buildings (used for less than 2 years).
- Small properties (under 50 square metres).
- Buildings due for demolition.
- Holiday lets rented for less than 4 months per year.
Selling Your House Fast
Planning ahead is always a good idea when selling your home. However, if you need to sell your property quickly, working with cash house buyers like Any House Wanted can help speed up the process. At Any House Wanted we can provide you with a quick valuation of our property and can often complete the transaction in weeks.
If you’re considering selling your house fast or want a quick valuation, feel free to contact us for expert advice and a no-obligation quote.