What Is an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)?
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is an official document that shows how energy efficient a property is. Introduced in the UK in 2007, EPCs are designed to help homeowners, buyers, and renters understand the environmental impact of a home and identify ways to reduce energy use and carbon emissions.
Since about 22% of the UK's carbon emissions come from residential properties - through heating, lighting, and appliance use - improving home efficiency plays a key role in national climate goals.
A higher EPC rating doesn't just mean a greener home - it can also mean lower energy bills. That's why when you're browsing properties online, it's smart to check the EPC details. On most property portals, this can be found in the listing details, or you can ask the agent for a copy.
If you're selling or renting your home, you'll need a valid EPC to provide to potential buyers or tenants.
What Does an EPC Report Include?
An EPC is prepared by a qualified energy assessor who visits the property to examine how energy is used and where improvements can be made.
The report provides:
- ✅ A current rating showing the property's energy efficiency today.
- ✅ A potential rating showing the maximum possible efficiency if recommended upgrades are made.
The report often includes suggestions like upgrading insulation, improving window glazing, switching to energy-efficient lighting, or installing renewable energy systems.
How Is an EPC Rating Calculated?
During the assessment, the assessor checks several aspects, including:
- Insulation levels (walls, floors, roof)
- Window type (single, double, or triple-glazed)
- Heating systems and controls
- Lighting efficiency
- Potential draughts and heat loss points
The property is then graded from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient), along with a numeric score:
| EPC Rating | Score Range |
| A | 92 and above |
| B | 81-91 |
| C | 69-80 |
| D | 55-68 |
| E | 39-54 |
| F | 21-38 |
| G | 1-20 |
How Long Is an EPC Valid?
An EPC is valid for 10 years from the date of issue. Even if the property is sold or rented multiple times, the same certificate remains valid.
However, if you've made significant energy improvements, you may want to get a new EPC to reflect the upgraded performance.
How Can I Check My Property's EPC?
In England, Wales, or Northern Ireland, you can check your EPC online via the government's official register.
For Scotland, there's a separate register. If your home hasn't had an EPC issued since the registers were created, it might not show up until you commission one.
How Do I Get an EPC?
You can hire an accredited assessor through the government's recommended services:
- Find an assessor in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland
- Find an assessor in Scotland
How Much Does an EPC Cost?
Costs vary depending on the size and location of your property. On average, an EPC costs between pounds 60 and pounds 70, though larger or newly built homes may cost more to assess.
Who Is Responsible for Paying?
- Sellers: Must provide a valid EPC before marketing a property.
- Landlords: Must provide an EPC to tenants before renting out.
- Builders: Must supply an EPC upon completion of a new build.
Is Having an EPC a Legal Requirement?
Yes. It is illegal to sell or rent out a property without a valid EPC.
Additionally, landlords cannot legally rent out a property with an EPC rating below E, unless an exemption applies.
What's the Average EPC Rating in the UK?
- Most homes in England and Wales currently average a D rating with a score around60.
- Homes built after 2012 tend to average B.
- Homes built since the 1980s generally average C.
- Older homes, especially pre-1900, often fall into the E band or below.
How Can I Improve My EPC Rating?
Your EPC report will suggest the most cost-effective upgrades, such as:
- Adding loft or wall insulation
- Installing double or triple glazing
- Upgrading to an efficient boiler
- Fitting low-energy lighting
- Installing solar panels or heat pumps
Keep in mind: your official EPC rating only updates after you order a fresh assessment.
How Much Do Improvements Typically Cost?
According to recent research, average energy-efficiency upgrades cost about 8,100 pounds per home. For properties with very low ratings (F or G), the cost can rise to around? 25,800 pounds