If you are planning to sell or rent your property, you may have heard of an EPC certificate. But what is it exactly and why is it important? In this blog post, we will explain everything you need to know about EPC certificates and how to get one for your property.
What is an EPC certificate?
EPC stands for Energy Performance Certificate. It is a document that shows how energy efficient your property is on a scale from A to G, where A is the most efficient and G is the least. It also provides information on the potential energy savings you could make by improving your property’s energy performance.
An EPC certificate is valid for 10 years and can be used multiple times during that period. However, if you make any significant changes to your property that affect its energy efficiency, such as installing insulation or solar panels, you may need to get a new EPC certificate.
Why do you need an EPC certificate?
An EPC certificate is required by law for any property that is being sold or rented in the UK. This is because it helps potential buyers or tenants to compare the energy efficiency and running costs of different properties. It also helps to promote energy saving measures and reduce carbon emissions.
If you do not have a valid EPC certificate when you sell or rent your property, you could face a fine of up to £5,000. Therefore, it is advisable to get an EPC certificate as soon as possible before you put your property on the market or advertise it for rent.
How to get an EPC certificate?
To get an EPC certificate, you need to contact an accredited energy assessor who will visit your property and conduct an assessment. The assessor will look at various aspects of your property, such as the size, layout, construction, heating, lighting and ventilation systems. They will then use a software program to calculate your property’s energy rating and produce an EPC certificate.
The cost of an EPC certificate varies depending on the size and type of your property and the assessor you choose. However, it typically ranges from £35 to £120. You can find a list of accredited energy assessors in your area on the official EPC register website: https://www.epcregister.com/
Once you have your EPC certificate, you can display it in your property or provide it to potential buyers or tenants. You can also upload it to online platforms such as Rightmove or Zoopla to attract more interest in your property.
Conclusion
An EPC certificate is a legal requirement for any property that is being sold or rented in the UK. It shows how energy efficient your property is and how much you could save by improving its energy performance. It also helps potential buyers or tenants to compare different properties and make informed decisions.
To get an EPC certificate, you need to contact an accredited energy assessor who will assess your property and produce an EPC certificate for you. The cost of an EPC certificate depends on the size and type of your property and the assessor you choose.
We hope this blog post has answered all your questions about EPC certificates and why they are important. If you need any further assistance or advice on getting an EPC certificate for your property, please do not hesitate to contact us.