EPCs

Does everyone need an EPC?

An EPC is required by law when a building is constructed, sold or put up for rent. Once you have an EPC for a home for sale, it is valid for three years. An EPC for letting purposes is valid for 10 years.

Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) What is an Energy Performance Certificate?

The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) gives home owners, tenants and buyers information on the energy efficiency of their property, using A to G ratings like those used on appliances such as washing machines and refrigerators. The certificate will also specifically show, for each individual property, various improvements that could be made to cut fuel bills and carbon emissions, the cost of doing this and how quickly these will be recouped through reduced spending on energy.

Who needs an EPC?

Sellers or buyers of homes

All sellers of homes need to ensure that they provide a EPC for potential buyers. An EPC must be made available to a potential homebuyer free of charge.

Builders

An EPC needs to be provided to buyers of newly built properties.

Landlords

If you are a landlord, you will need to make an EPC available to prospective tenants the first time you let a home after 1 October 2008.

Even if you do not fall into the above categories, you can still apply for and receive an EPC. This may be because you want to know what the energy efficiency of your home is, and make improvements suggested by the recommendation report.

Will EPC's be needed across the UK?

The EPC only applies to England and Wales. Northern Ireland and Scotland are producing their own regulations.

How do you get an EPC?

An EPC can only be produced as a result of a survey by an 'accredited' energy assessor. The EPC is used to collect standard information about the property, for example, its size and hot water/heating systems. The information is then fed into a government-approved software programme which produces the EPC.

How much will it cost?

next2buy Ltd will provide you with a competitive estimate contact us on 0191 295 33 22 or info@next2buy.com