An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) tells you how energy-efficient a property is, rated from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). If you are buying, selling or renting a home in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, an EPC is something you will almost certainly come across — and in most cases it is a legal requirement.
This guide explains what an EPC is, when you need one, what it shows, how much it costs and how to order one.
What an EPC shows
Every domestic EPC includes:
- An energy-efficiency rating (A–G) — the property's current rating, plus its potential rating if recommended improvements were made.
- The total floor area in square metres — useful for comparing properties and working out the price per square metre.
- Estimated energy costs and typical carbon-dioxide (CO₂) emissions.
- Recommended improvements — for example loft insulation, double glazing or a more efficient boiler — with an indication of the likely cost and saving.
On The Big Property List we show the headline EPC information (energy rating, floor area and price per square metre) directly on individual sold-price pages where a certificate is available, sourced from the official Energy Performance of Buildings Register.
When do you legally need an EPC?
You must have a valid EPC whenever you:
- Sell a property — an EPC must be ordered before you market the home, and the rating is usually shown in the listing.
- Let a property — landlords must provide an EPC to tenants, and in England and Wales a rented home must normally have a rating of E or above to be let legally.
- Have a new building constructed.
An EPC is valid for 10 years, so you may already have one from a previous sale or tenancy. You can check on the government register before paying for a new one.
How much does an EPC cost?
For a typical house or flat an EPC usually costs somewhere between £35 and £120, depending on the size and location of the property and the assessor you use. It is worth getting more than one quote, as prices vary.
How to order an EPC
An EPC must be produced by an accredited domestic energy assessor, who visits the property (a visit typically takes under an hour) and lodges the certificate on the national register.
Get a quote and order an EPC — or first check whether the property already has a valid certificate on the official register.
How to improve your EPC rating
If your rating is lower than you would like, the certificate's recommendations are the place to start. The most common cost-effective improvements are:
- Topping up loft and cavity-wall insulation
- Switching to a modern condensing boiler or a heat pump
- Installing double or triple glazing
- Using low-energy lighting throughout
- Adding heating controls such as a room thermostat and thermostatic radiator valves
A better rating can lower your energy bills, make a home easier to sell or let, and in some cases improve what buyers are willing to pay.
EPCs and house prices
Energy efficiency is an increasingly important factor for buyers and renters. Browse sold prices in your area to see real transaction data — and, where available, the EPC rating and floor area for individual properties.