Yes. An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a legal requirement when selling a property in England and Wales. You must have one in place before your property is listed on the market. Selling without a valid EPC can result in a fine of up to £5,000, and most estate agents and solicitors will not proceed without one.
If you already have an EPC that is less than ten years old, you do not need to get a new one. If yours has expired, or you have made significant energy improvements since it was issued, you will need to arrange a new assessment before listing.
What Is an EPC?
An Energy Performance Certificate rates the energy efficiency of a property on a scale from A to G, where A is the most efficient and G is the least. It tells potential buyers how much it is likely to cost to heat and power the home, and what improvements could be made to bring the rating up.
The ratings break down as follows:
- A (92-100): Highly efficient, low running costs
- B (81-91): Very efficient
- C (69-80): Reasonably efficient
- D (55-68): Average, the most common rating in the UK
- E (39-54): Below average
- F (21-38): Inefficient, improvements recommended
- G (1-20): Least efficient
The certificate is carried out by a qualified Domestic Energy Assessor and is valid for ten years from the date of issue.
When Do You Need an EPC?
Under the Energy Performance of Buildings (England and Wales) Regulations 2012, an EPC must be made available to any prospective buyer before or at the point of viewing. In practice, this means it needs to be in place before your property goes live on the market.
If you are selling privately, the same rules apply. The requirement is not limited to properties sold through estate agents.
Are There Any Exemptions?
A small number of properties are exempt from requiring an EPC. These include:
- Listed buildings, where meeting energy efficiency standards would unacceptably alter the character of the building
- Places of worship
- Temporary buildings intended for use of less than two years
- Standalone buildings with a total floor area of less than 50 square metres
- Buildings scheduled for demolition
If you are unsure whether your property qualifies for an exemption, speak to a qualified assessor or your estate agent before listing.
How Much Does an EPC Cost?
The cost of an EPC typically ranges from £60 to £120, depending on the size of the property and the assessor you choose. You are not required to use an assessor recommended by your estate agent, though it can save time. Prices can vary, so it is worth getting a couple of quotes before booking.
For a full breakdown of what selling a property involves financially, see our guide to the costs of selling a house.
How Do You Get an EPC?
Getting an EPC is a straightforward process.
- Find a qualified assessor on the GOV.UK EPC Register
- Book an appointment at a time that suits yo
- The assessor will visit and inspect your property, looking at insulation, heating systems, windows, and other features that affect energy use. This usually takes between 30 and 60 minutes
- Your EPC will be issued within a few days and registered on the national database
Your estate agent can often help you arrange this as part of the selling process.
How Does Your EPC Rating Affect Your Sale?
With energy bills still high, buyers are paying closer attention to running costs. A good EPC rating can make your property more attractive and, in some cases, support a higher asking price. Research suggests that homes rated C or above can command a premium over those rated D or below.
A low rating does not prevent you from selling. There is no minimum EPC requirement to list a residential property. However, if you are selling to a landlord, they may take a lower rating into account. From 2030, rental properties will need to meet a minimum C rating, which means landlords buying now are factoring in the cost of future improvements.
If you are a landlord looking for guidance on EPC requirements for rental properties, our landlord services team can help.
Should You Improve Your EPC Rating Before Selling?
It depends on your current rating and your circumstances. Some improvements are straightforward and relatively low cost, such as adding loft insulation, upgrading to LED lighting, or improving draught-proofing. Others, like replacing a boiler or installing double glazing, involve a larger outlay.
If your home is currently rated E, F, or G, it may be worth speaking to an assessor about what changes would make the most difference before you list. A higher rating could broaden your pool of buyers and reduce the likelihood of price negotiations on energy grounds.
For more on preparing your home before going to market, see our guides on boosting your property’s value and ten things to do before listing your house for sale.
Are EPCs Changing?
Yes. The government announced in January 2026 that the current EPC format will be updated. The single energy cost metric is set to be replaced by four new headline measures: energy cost, fabric performance, heating system, and smart readiness. The intention is to give buyers a clearer and more detailed picture of a property’s energy performance.
The changes have not yet come into force, but it is worth being aware of them if you are planning to sell in the next year or two.
FAQs
Can I check if my property already has an EPC?
Yes. You can search the national register at GOV.UK using your property address. If a valid EPC exists, you can use it without arranging a new assessment.
Can an EPC be transferred to a new owner?
Yes. The EPC stays with the property and passes to the new owner on completion. It does not need to be renewed on sale, only when the ten-year validity period expires.
What happens if I do not have an EPC when selling?
You could face a fine of up to £5,000. Your estate agent will flag this early in the process, but it is your responsibility to have one in place before listing.
Do listed buildings need an EPC?
In most cases, listed buildings are exempt, particularly where making energy efficiency improvements would alter the character of the building. If in doubt, seek advice from a qualified assessor.
Does my EPC rating affect my mortgage?
Not directly. However, some lenders offer preferential rates on mortgages for properties with higher EPC ratings, sometimes referred to as green mortgages. It is worth speaking to a financial adviser about your options.
Michael Anthony Estate Agents
Michael Anthony Estate Agents has been helping homeowners sell across Milton Keynes, Bletchley, Hemel Hempstead, Tring, and the surrounding areas for over 30 years. If you are preparing to sell and need guidance on arranging an EPC or anything else involved in the process, our team is here to help.
Book a free valuation or find out more about selling with us.
Originally published: October 4, 2024 | Updated: May 2026