If you’re planning to sell your home, you need an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) to legally list your property for sale. Getting an EPC is straightforward, you need to contact a qualified energy assessor, who will visit your home, assess its energy efficiency, and issue the certificate. This document is then valid for ten years and provides prospective buyers with important information about your home’s energy usage and efficiency.
Continue reading to find out more about the process of obtaining an EPC, why it’s essential, and what it means for you as a seller.
What is an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)?
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rates the energy efficiency of a property on a scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). It includes information about your home’s current energy performance, typical energy costs, and suggestions on how to make your home more energy-efficient. The main purpose of an EPC is to inform potential buyers about how much energy they might use and how much it could cost them once they move in.
Why Do You Need an EPC to Sell Your Home?
An EPC is legally required when selling a property in the UK. The certificate must be made available to potential buyers as soon as your property is listed, giving them transparency regarding energy costs. It’s a legal necessity that can also help make your home more attractive to environmentally-conscious buyers. Properties with better energy ratings are often seen as more desirable, as they tend to be cheaper to run.
How Do You Get an EPC to Sell Your Home?
Getting an EPC is a relatively simple process. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Find an Accredited Energy Assessor
To get an EPC, you need to hire a certified energy assessor. You can easily find an assessor by visiting the GOV.UK EPC Register. Alternatively, estate agents like our team at Michael Anthony Estate Agents often offer services to help you find a trusted assessor.
Book an Appointment
Once you find a local assessor, schedule an appointment at a time that suits you. The assessor will need access to all areas of your home, so make sure the property is ready for inspection.
The Assessment Process
During the assessment, the energy assessor will inspect various features of your home, including the insulation, boiler, heating system, double glazing, and more. This typically takes around 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the size and complexity of your property.
Receive Your EPC
After the assessment, you will receive your EPC, usually within a few days. The certificate will provide your property with an energy efficiency rating and list recommendations for improvements.
Make Your EPC Available to Buyers
Once you have the certificate, it must be included in the property listing information. Your estate agent will usually handle this for you, ensuring potential buyers can access the EPC details as they consider your property.
How Much Does an EPC Cost?
The cost of an EPC can vary depending on the type of property and the assessor you choose. Generally, prices range from £60 to £120. While you can shop around for different quotes, Michael Anthony Estate Agents can assist you by recommending a trusted energy assessor, potentially saving you time and ensuring a smooth process.
How Long is an EPC Valid For?
An EPC is valid for ten years from the date of issue. If you have an existing EPC that’s still within this timeframe, you may not need to get a new one when selling your home. However, if any significant energy-saving improvements have been made since the last certificate was issued, it might be worth getting an updated EPC to reflect those changes, potentially enhancing your property’s attractiveness to buyers.
Why Energy Efficiency Matters When Selling a Home
With rising energy costs and an increasing focus on sustainability, energy efficiency has become a major consideration for buyers. Properties with a higher EPC rating are generally more appealing because they cost less to heat and maintain. Implementing some of the recommendations in your EPC, such as improving insulation or upgrading an outdated boiler, could make your home more marketable and potentially increase its value.
How Can Michael Anthony Estate Agents Help?
Navigating the sale of a home can be scary, but at Michael Anthony Estate Agents, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. From arranging your EPC to helping you present your property at its best, our expertise in the local market ensures that you get the support you need to sell efficiently and effectively.
Our comprehensive estate agent services cover everything from valuations and marketing to negotiation and closing the deal. We understand the importance of an Energy Performance Certificate and its role in your sale, which is why we offer expert guidance in arranging EPC assessments and ensuring all legal requirements are met. Working with Michael Anthony Estate Agents means you work with a team that is dedicated to ensuring your property journey is as smooth as possible.
Tips to Improve Your EPC Rating Before Selling
If you want to make your property more attractive to potential buyers, consider improving your EPC rating. Here are some practical ways to do so:
Upgrade Your Boiler
If your boiler is over ten years old, replacing it with a modern, energy-efficient model can significantly boost your EPC score.
Install Double Glazing
Upgrading to double glazing can reduce heat loss and improve your home’s efficiency rating.
Improve Insulation
Loft and cavity wall insulation are effective and often inexpensive ways to enhance your property’s energy efficiency.
Switch to LED Lighting
Replacing old light bulbs with energy-saving LED versions can also contribute to a better EPC score.
FAQs
Do I Need an EPC if I Am Selling a Listed Building?
While listed buildings are sometimes exempt from needing an EPC, it’s still best to check with an energy assessor. Some exemptions apply if complying would unacceptably alter the building’s character.
What Happens if I Don’t Have an EPC When Selling My Home?
If you don’t have an EPC in place, you could be fined up to £5,000. Your estate agent will usually ensure you meet this requirement, but it’s essential to stay proactive.
How Can I Find Out the EPC Rating of a Property?
You can check the EPC rating of any property by visiting the GOV.UK EPC Register. Simply enter the property address to access the report.
Can an EPC Be Transferred to a New Owner?
Yes, the EPC remains with the property and is transferred to the new owner when the property is sold. It doesn’t need to be renewed until the ten-year validity period expires.
What if My Property Already Has an EPC?
If your property already has a valid EPC, you do not need to get a new one to sell your home, as long as it’s still within the ten-year validity period. However, if improvements have been made, a new EPC could reflect these enhancements.
Michael Anthony Estate Agents
Michael Anthony Estate Agents have been serving the communities of Milton Keynes, Bletchley, Tring, Hemel Hempstead and the surrounding areas for over 30 years. We understand the intricacies of the local property market, and our team is committed to providing exceptional service at every stage of your sale. Whether you need help arranging an EPC, conducting an accurate valuation, or marketing your property effectively, we are here to make the process as smooth as possible.
Our experienced agents are on hand to provide professional advice tailored to your unique circumstances. We pride ourselves on our local knowledge, honest communication, and a strong commitment to customer satisfaction.
If you’re ready to sell your home or need further guidance about Energy Performance Certificates, please reach out to Michael Anthony Estate Agents today. You can get in touch via our online contact form, or by calling your local branch and one of our friendly team members will be more than happy to assist.