So, you’ve decided to sell your home. Whatever the reason – be it upsizing, downsizing, or moving out of the area completely – selling a property can be a challenging – but rewarding – undertaking.
At Brookings, we’re supporting first-time sellers by highlighting everything you need to know about making the sale, from valuation and marketing to mortgages and legal work.
Here’s our guide to EPCs
What is an EPC?
An Energy Performance Certificate, or EPC for short, is a four-page report on the energy efficiency of your home.
Efficiency is measured on a sliding scale, from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient).
Generally, an EPC certificate will indicate how much it will cost to heat and power your home, as well as suggest how your home can be made greener, the cost of such improvements, and the long-term savings of carrying out the work.
Once completed, an EPC remains valid for up to 10 years.
Why do I need one?
You must order an EPC for potential buyers and tenants within seven days of listing your property for sale or rent.
If you sell your property without an EPC, you could be fined up to £5,000.
How do I get one?
An EPC must be carried out by an accredited domestic energy assessor. You can book one yourself by visiting the official EPC website. While there is no fixed cost, prices usually start at around £60.
If you are selling your property with Brookings, we will organise the EPC on your behalf and ensure you stay on the right side of the law.
What happens during an EPC?
After booking, an accredited domestic energy assessor will visit your home and carry out a physical inspection.
It is impossible to fail an EPC if you are only selling your home, but a low score may detract from the overall appeal of the property.
If you are renting, however, your property must score at least an ‘E’ for all new tenancies from April 2020.
Can I check if my property already has a valid EPC?
Yes, simply type your address here.
For help and advice on the entire home moving process, please get in touch with our expert team today.
