If you're selling, letting, or building a property in England and Wales, you've almost certainly come across the term "EPC." But what is it, exactly, and do you actually need one? Here's a straightforward answer.
What is an Energy Performance Certificate?
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is an official document that rates a building's energy efficiency on a scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). It's produced by a qualified Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA) after a physical inspection of the property, and it's lodged on the government's national EPC register — a public database anyone can search.
The certificate covers things like:
- The property's estimated energy costs
- Its current and potential energy efficiency rating
- CO₂ emissions
- Recommended improvements, ranked by cost-effectiveness
Do you legally need one?
Yes, in most cases. UK law requires a valid EPC whenever a residential or commercial property is:
- Sold — it must be made available to potential buyers before marketing begins
- Let — landlords must provide a valid EPC to tenants
- Newly constructed — before the building is occupied
You generally don't need a new EPC if you already have a valid one — they last 10 years from the date of issue, regardless of a change in ownership or tenancy within that period.
What happens if you don't have one?
Estate agents and landlords can face fines for marketing a property without a valid EPC. For landlords specifically, letting a property with a rating below the legal minimum (currently band E) can result in penalties of up to £5,000 per breach under MEES regulations — see our guide to EPC rules for landlords for the full detail.
How long does it take?
A typical residential assessment takes 30–60 minutes on-site. The assessor will check things like insulation, glazing, heating systems, and lighting throughout the property. Once complete, your certificate is usually issued within 48 hours and lodged directly on the national register.
Getting your EPC
An EPC must be produced by an accredited Domestic Energy Assessor — it can't be self-assessed. EPC Services UK is based in Harrow and covers Harrow, Wealdstone, Pinner, Stanmore and the surrounding areas, as well as London more widely, with certificates from £49 issued within 48 hours.