Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are crucial in the sale, purchase, letting and renting of almost every type of property in the UK. So whether you are selling a property, or just looking to rent one, an EPC is can be very handy.

Since August 2007, they have been part of UK law, ensuring that properties traded and rented meet minimum standards for energy savings and efficiency.

Originally introduced in the UK as part of the Home Information Pack (HIP) process, Energy Performance Certificates have evolved over the years, becoming what they are today. Whilst HIPs do not exist anymore; being seen as not up to scratch and not quite fit for purpose, EPCs are the updated version and equivalent of the HIPs.

Valid EPCs are only provided by accredited and recognised assessors, having assessed the various criteria and qualifications of your property. It is possible to achieve different EPC ratings. The better the rating; the more desirable the property for potential tenants, buyers or otherwise. Furthermore, a property with a better Energy Efficiency Rating as part of the EPC can command a higher price, leading to higher profits or rental income.

At ABC Estates, we have worked for many years with some of the best qualified and well-renowned assessors, who provide accredited EPCs for a wide range of properties. We have experience in providing certificates for multi-tenancy occupancies, individual apartments and houses and much more.

We also always ensure that you only ever pay the most competitive prices when it comes to the accreditor’s fees.

What is an EPC?
An EPC tends to cost over £50. However, while that is all well and good, it is important to understand exactly what an EPC actually is.

All properties, be they a large multi-bedroom mansion or a small one bed studio flat, or indeed anything in between, will suffer from a degree of heat and energy loss. This can be reduced via different channels which include insulation of the loft and roof, efficiency of the electrical systems in the house, double glazing to reduce heat loss and more.

An EPC collates many of these factors and provides a certificate with a rating; your Energy Performance Rating that tells relevant parties (be they potential buyers, tenants or otherwise) a bit more about your property’s energy requirements, advantages and flaws. This helps them make a decision about how much to pay for a property or its rental.

EPC Ratings range from A (best rating) to G (worst rating). EPCs tent to be valid for a fixed period of 10 years from the date the assessment is completed and they apply to the majority of property types, with a few exceptions which include:

• Places of worship
• Industrial premises
• Premises to be demolished

The Assessor and Certificate

To acquire a recognised EPC, you need to get it through an accredited assessor. All accredited assessors can be found through a fairly easy search on the EPC Register, which is a government owned facility that is found online.

The certificate you receive, with you’re A – G Rating will contain the following information:

• The assessed property’s address
• The property type/ category
• The date of the inspection
• The date of certification and a unique serial number
• Total floor area of the property
• Any recommendations to improve the energy efficiency of the property (if necessary)

Whilst not all properties will require significant changes or improvements to their energy efficiency, it is important that the proprietor or landlord take heed of any improvement recommendations before applying for another EPC.

How Much Does an EPC Cost?
The cost of an EPC ranges between around £50 – £120. The price you pay depends on the assessor you choose and the type and overall size of the property in question.

It is important once you have the certificate that you keep it safe and even make a copy of it for safekeeping. Whilst it isn’t the law in England and Wales to display the EPC anywhere in the property, it may be something to consider if you are the landlord of a multi-occupancy property.

The Process to get an EPC
The process to get an EPC may initially seem a bit daunting and tedious, but is in fact quite straightforward. In short, it entails shopping around for an accredited assessor to carry out the process, then choosing an assessor and time that suits you best.

Once the assessment is carried out, the assessor will provide you with your EPC upon its production.

In the UK, it is a legal requirement to acquire an EPC as a landlord or proprietor in the following circumstances:

• When a potential buyer is looking at the property with a view of purchasing it
• If you are considering renting out the property, an EPC must be produced and provided to any tenants (this only applies to properties that are rented out in their entirety; not to individual ‘units’ or studios)
• In Scotland: when renting out a property, the EPC must be displayed for the tenants/ occupants in the property