Do you need an EPC on a new build?
Any new dwelling, or dwellings created by conversion or change of use are required to have SAP Calculations carried out
. The assessor will then in turn produce an EPC outlining the energy efficiency of that new build.
Which properties must have an EPC?
An EPC is needed
whenever a property is built, sold or rented
. All landlords must order an Energy Performance Certificate for potential buyers or tenants before marketing their properties to sell or let.
What happens if you don’t have an EPC?
You can be fined if you do not get an EPC when you need one
. The person selling the house, the landlord or the letting agent must show you the EPC if you’re buying or renting.
Which properties are exempt from EPC?
Is EPC legal requirement?
Yes. It is a legal requirement to have a valid EPC for a property when marketing for sales and/or lettings
. There are exemptions for certain property types, and all exemptions have to be registered on the national register.
How do I get an EPC exemption?
Information required to register the exemption:
a copy of the written opinion of a relevant expert stating that the property cannot be improved to an EPC E because a recommended wall insulation measure would have a negative impact on the property (or the building of which it is part).
How long can you market a property without an EPC?
The vast majority of domestic properties being put up for sale will need an EPC. However, there are some exceptions:
Residential buildings used less than 4 months a year
. Temporary buildings to be used for less than 2 years.
Can you exchange contracts without an EPC?
When is an EPC not required?
If the property is sold before the EPC is received, then this is no longer required
but the Vendor is still legally obliged to provide an EPC to the Buyer at exchange of contracts or as soon as available.
When did EPC regulations come into force?
What are the current EPC requirements? Since October 2008, rental properties in England and Wales have required an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). On
April 1
st
2018
, the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) came into force.
Do I need a new EPC if I change my boiler?
If you as a householder update your boiler, have your cavity walls filled or swap out your lighting for LED,
all those changes will cause the parameters of when your initial EPC was created to materially change
. With these material changes coming through it makes sense to have a more accurate EPC report.
Do all rental properties require an EPC?
From 1 April 2018,
all rented property (both domestic and non-domestic) which is to have a new tenancy must have an EPC rating of at least “E”
. This requirement also applies to all renewal tenancies to the same tenant for the same property on or after 1 April 2018.
Can I do my own EPC certificate?
You cannot issue an EPC yourself
and you might be offered the services via an estate or letting agent, however to get the best EPC cost, make sure you get the assessment completed directly.
Can you move into a house before completion?
A buyer is sometimes granted permission to enter a property prior to completion to carry out certain repairs that may be required by the lender
, but this does not include staying overnight. If you do allow your buyer to move into the property before completion, you need to make your solicitor aware of the situation.
Who is responsible for EPC certificate?
Whose responsibility is it to obtain an EPC? If the building is being offered for sale, it is the responsibility of the seller to provide the EPC to the potential buyer. If it is being rented, then it is the responsibility of the landlord to provide the EPC to the potential tenant.
Do you need an EPC to sell a house privately?
If you’re planning on selling your home,
you must provide an energy performance certificate (EPC), free of charge to potential buyers
. An EPC gives information on the energy efficiency of a property using A to G ratings, with A being the most energy efficient and G the least efficient.
Are predicted energy assessments still required?
Defining Predicted Energy Assessments
PEAs have now been made a legal requirement by the government
who is looking at ways that we can reduce our carbon emissions.
Does EPC include garage?
An EPC is required when a building is constructed, rented or sold. A building will need an EPC if it has a roof and walls and has heating, air conditioning or mechanical ventilation.
A garden shed, garage or old barn would not need an EPC if it doesn’t use energy to heat it up or cool it down
.
Can you serve a section 21 notice without an EPC?
EPC requirements
Under The Energy Performance of Buildings (England and Wales) Regulations 2012,
landlords must give a copy of a valid energy performance certificate (EPC) to the tenant before the section 21 notice is served
. No time limit is specified for this purpose.
Can you evict a tenant without an EPC?
What are the new EPC rules?
From 2025, under the current proposals
all newly rented properties will be required to have an EPC rating of C or above
. Currently, properties only require an EPC rating of ‘E’ or above. Existing tenancies will have until 2028 to comply with the new rule changes.
Why do I need an EPC certificate?
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is needed
when a new building is constructed or when an existing buildings is marketed for sale or rent
. An EPC enables you to consider energy efficiency and potential energy costs.
How long does it take to get an EPC certificate?
The exact cost depends on factors such as the size of the property, and the assessment itself should take
around an hour
to complete (with a bit of waiting time for the report to come through afterwards). EPC certificates are valid for 10 years.
How long does an EPC check take?
Can I get keys to house before completion?
There are factors that need to be considered not least if there is a mortgage on your property. Allowing your buyers a key to store items or letting them move in prior to completion may well be a breach of your mortgage conditions which can have serious consequences in itself and possibly invalidate your insurance.
How quickly can you move into a new build?
All this does take time, and while it has sometimes been achieved within less than 3 weeks, it is much more normal for it to take around
6-8 weeks
.
What happens on completion day new build?
The day of completion is a pre-arranged date on which
the financial and legal formalities are concluded and the ownership of the property is transferred from the seller to the buyer
.
Do you need an EPC to sell a house privately?
If you’re planning on selling your home,
you must provide an energy performance certificate (EPC), free of charge to potential buyers
. An EPC gives information on the energy efficiency of a property using A to G ratings, with A being the most energy efficient and G the least efficient.
Can you let a commercial property without an EPC?
You must have an EPC if: you rent out or sell the premises
.
a building under construction is finished
. there are changes to the number of parts used for separate occupation and these changes involve providing or extending fixed heating, air conditioning or mechanical ventilation systems.
