What is an EPC?
The energy survey needed to produce an EPC is performed by an inspector who visits the property, examines key items such as loft insulation, domestic boiler, hot water tank, radiators, windows for double glazing and so on. He or she then inputs the observations into a software programme which actually performs the calculation of energy efficiency. The programme gives a single number for the rating of energy efficiency, and a recommended value of the potential for improvement. There are similar figures for environmental impact. A table of estimated energy bills per annum (and the potential for improvement) is also presented, but without any reference to householder bills.
Who is responsible for providing an EPC?
This is down to the individual responsible for marketing the property which will be, in most cases, the Estate Agent instructed by the Vendor; but can actually be the Vendor themselves. The EPC must be commissioned from the point of the property being placed on the open market and is the responsibility of the vendor, from the point of marketing there is a 28 day window for the EPC to be produced and must be provided upon request.
How long does an EPC last?
An EPC is valid for 10 years, if you use an existing EPC nearing the end of its legal life (for example, 9 years and 11 months old), it will remain valid for as long as your home is continuously marketed. But if you temporarily pull your home off the market for more than 28 days, you will need to replace it if it's more than 10 years old when you resume marketing.
How do I organise/obtain an EPC?
As a Vendor – most Estate Agents will provide you with an EPC usually via an approved or recommended third party.
Cost for the Vendor
The cost of an EPC is set by the market and, whilst the overall costs of buying and selling are similar to those prior to the introduction of the EPC, these costs are more evenly distributed.
The Vendor is obliged to provide an EPC free of charge to any potential buyer but the regulations to allow the Vendor/Estate Agent to charge reasonable costs for copying and postage.
What EPC means for the Buyer
The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) provides information in respect of the energy efficiency of the property and may include further details regarding recommended improvements relating to cutting of carbon emissions or fuel bills.
The Energy Performance Certificate will be provided by the Estate Agent acting for the Vendor or, in some cases, the Vendor directly free of charge to the Buyer but you are likely to be charged the reasonable costs of copying and postage as allowed under the Regulations. This is particularly beneficial if you are a First Time buyer.
New Builds
EPC's are also required for newly-built homes, though these are subject to their own regulations and, in most cases, the EPC will be replaced by a Predicted Energy Assessment (PEA) produced from the design plans.
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