Domestic EPC’s
Discover how you can attract buyers & become more energy efficient
What is an EPC?
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a legal requirement for any person who wishes to either sell or rent out a property. The report will reveal how energy efficient your property is and indeed if improvements need to be made in order to make your property more attractive to potential buyers/tenants. The report will be four pages long and will be valid for ten years. Your energy performance will be given a rating between A & G (A being the most efficient and G the least).
Do I Need a Domestic EPC?
If you are intending to sell or rent out your property then you are legally required to have an EPC carried out before you advertise on the property market. Even if you’re not planning on selling up any time soon, it’s still a huge benefit to know where you stand with your property’s energy efficiency! A poor EPC outcome (highly inefficient) can still save you plenty of money as the recommendations will help point out the ways to reduce energy costs. There are multiple government grants in place to encourage greener and more efficient homes – but only when an EPC has been completed.
What if I Don’t Get an EPC?
Quite simply, you’ll be fined £200 if you’re caught selling (or trying to sell/rent) a property without a valid EPC. With that being said; you can still add your property to the housing market once you have booked the assessment as long as you can provide evidence that the EPC has been pre-booked.
What Happens During the Visit?
The length of the visit will depend on the size of the property and how easy it is to access all the necessary points. The assessor will thoroughly inspect a number of key factors including (but not limited to) the size of the property, its lighting, ventilation, central heating, hot water, cavity wall & loft insulation and window efficiency to name but a few.
Who is Exempt from a Domestic EPC?
There are some buildings which do not by law require an EPC. Such buildings might include those due to be demolished, listed buildings or properties which are vacant for large amounts of time. It’s vital that you check to see if you need an EPC to avoid receiving a fine or delaying your own proceedings. It’s stronlgy advised that you get in touch with a property surveyor if you’re not 100% sure where you stand with your own EPC.
Schedule a Domestic EPC?