Do You Need an EPC to Sell Your House?

Short answer: yes. If you're selling a residential property in England or Wales, you're legally required to have a valid Energy Performance Certificate before it goes on the market.

When exactly do you need it?

The law requires the EPC to be commissioned before the property is marketed for sale — in practice, most estate agents will ask for it, or confirm one is already on order, before listing the property. If you already have a valid EPC from within the last 10 years, you can reuse it — there's no need to commission a new one just because you're selling.

Who arranges it — you or the agent?

Either can arrange it, but the legal responsibility sits with the seller. Many estate agents will coordinate this on your behalf, often working with a preferred assessor — but you're free to book your own directly, which is usually cheaper and lets you choose the timing.

What if you list without one?

Trading Standards can issue a penalty charge — typically £200 for residential properties — for marketing a property without a valid EPC in place. Beyond the fine, it can also hold up your sale if a buyer's solicitor flags the missing certificate during conveyancing.

What does it cost, and how long does it take?

Prices vary by property size and type, but a standard residential EPC typically starts from around £49–£90. The physical assessment takes 30–60 minutes, and the certificate is usually issued within 48 hours — quick enough that it rarely needs to hold up a sale if booked promptly.

Does your EPC rating affect the sale price?

Increasingly, yes. Buyers are more energy-cost-conscious than ever, and a poor rating can be a negotiating point — or put some buyers off entirely. If your property is rated E or below and you have time before listing, a few targeted improvements (see our guide to improving your EPC rating) can make a real difference to how the property is perceived.

Book your EPC

EPC Services UK offers fast, fixed-price EPCs for sellers across Harrow and London, from £49 and issued within 48 hours — so it's one less thing to hold up your sale.