A residential property is a dwelling primarily used for housing individuals or families, providing a place for people to reside and call home.

How do I get an EPC for my residential property?

The energy assessment needed to produce an EPC is performed by a qualified and accredited energy assessor who visits the property, examines key items such as cavity wall, floor and loft insulation, domestic boilers, hot water tank, radiators, heating controls, windows for double glazing, and so on. This data is fed into government approved software, and an asset rating is produced.

Once an EPC is issued its valid for 10 years. 

Important Notice: From April 1st, 2023, all residential buildings must be certified with an Asset Rating of “E” or better. Faliure to comply with these new regulations may result in a fine.

Why do i need an epc when selling my property?

By law, an epc is required when you sell a property. It is the vendor’s responsibility to make sure the property is in possession of a valid epc when it is marketed for sale. You will need to make sure that if the epc has expired, you commission a new one before the property goes on the sales market. If you are selling your property through an estate agent, your agent will be able to help you obtain or renew an epc. 

Why is an EPC so important when it comes to selling my property?

An epc is important for potential buyers as it gives information about the property’s general energy efficiency, how much energy it uses, and what energy costs are involved in the running of the property. The epc also gives advice on how to improve the property’s energy efficiency, helping to further reduce energy costs.

The buyer’s solicitor will request that an epc is produced, and if the epc is not produced by the required deadline, the vendor can face a penalty fine.