An EPC is an Energy Performance Certificate and is required when you put your house on the market as defined within the Energy Performance of Buildings (England and Wales) Regulations 2012.
An EPC is valid for 10 years and gives the property an energy efficiency rating from A – G, the certificate provides details such as the environmental impact, recommendations for improvements and estimated running costs.
There are exemptions such as if the property is listed and compliance of current regulations would alter the character of the property.
You can find out if your property has a valid EPC by visiting the EPC Register found at: www.gov.uk/find-energy-certificate
Purchasing a Buy to Let?
Currently, properties that are rented out must have an EPC rating of E or above, however from 2030 landlords must ensure that their properties meet a minimum EPC rating of C or above.
It is therefore recommended that the changes are considered before proceeding with a buy to let purchase to ensure that the property is brought up to standards in preparation for the new regulations.
Failure to comply could result in fines and difficulties in placing new tenants in the property if improvements are not made sufficiently.
What to look out for when buying a property
The actual rating and the score:
E = 39 – 54
D = 55 – 68
C = 69 – 80
Therefore, the property may be one point away from a higher or lower rating. This is something you want to observe if you are buying a property to rent out.
The potential rating
This can give you an idea of the scope of what you may achieve and what the property will allow, if the potential rating is only one band higher there may be structural limitations that need to be considered. Whereas, if the band can improve from E – C for example, there are likely to be cost effective, simple alterations that can be made to improve the running costs and environmental impact.
Recommended improvements and possible costs
This is a great section to get a better understanding of improvements that can be made and to allow you to budget accordingly. For example, if the recommendation is sold wall insulation you will likely find that the property will be expensive to heat, whereas loft insulation is a cheap improvement but makes a big impact.
Conclusion
Checking the EPC isn’t just a box-ticking exercise - it’s a simple way to understand how efficient the home is today, how much it may cost to run, and what upgrades you might face after moving in. By paying attention to the rating, the numerical score, the recommended improvements, and the age and type of heating and insulation, you get a clearer picture of the property’s true condition and future costs. A careful look at the EPC helps you make a more informed offer, plan for any upcoming work, and avoid surprises once you move in.
How can Timms help
If you would like more information on Residential Conveyancing or assistance with First Time Buying please do not hesitate to contact me on L.Bourne@timms-law.com or 01332 542630.
