St Clements Wells in Wallyford

Your guide to Energy Performance Certificates  

Whether you're a first time buyer or a seller, you've likely found yourself wondering –  what is an Energy Performance Certificate, and why do I need one?
 
Our guide breaks down what you need to know about EPCs, answering key questions like 'what does the EPC rating mean?' and 'how do I get one?' 
 

EPC explained

An EPC rates how energy-efficient a property is on a scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). Think of it as a report on your home's energy use.
 
An EPC shows you how much energy the property uses and suggests ways to make it more energy-efficient, helping you save money and lower your carbon footprint.
 
Energy Rating

Do I Need an EPC?

Why you need an EPC rating
You'll need an EPC if you're buying or selling a home in the UK. Sellers are legally required to provide an EPC as soon as their property is listed for sale or rent.
 
If you're buying, an EPC can be useful. It shows you what you're likely to spend on heating, lighting, gas and electricity, which can add up. It's important to compare EPCs when viewing different homes, as a more energy-efficient property could save you hundreds of pounds each year.
 
If you're purchasing a new build home with us, we'll provide you with the EPC at no additional cost.
 

 

Which homes don't need an EPC?

Most properties need an EPC, but there are a few exceptions:


  • Resident landlords who only rent out a room
  • Holiday homes let out for less than four months a year
  • Temporary buildings used for less than two years
  • Places of worship
  • Some industrial and agricultural buildings that use very little energy
  • Listed buildings, if improvements would significantly alter their character
 
What homes don't need an EPC

How do I get an EPC? 

Getting an EPC is relatively straightforward, and the process depends on whether you're buying or selling a property.

If you're buying a property

If you're a buyer, you're in luck – you don't need to arrange the EPC yourself. Just request a copy directly from the seller or their estate agent. You can also search for existing EPCs online through the GOV.UK website (or the Scottish EPC register if you're in Scotland).

If you're selling a property

If you're selling a property, you'll need to get an EPC with a qualified assessor before putting your home on the market.

In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, this must be done by an accredited Domestic Energy Assessor. You can search by postcode on GOV.UK to find assessors in your area.

In Scotland, an assessor must be approved by the Scottish Government. You can find a list of approved assessors on the Scottish EPC Register – enter your postcode to find someone local.

Once you've booked an assessor, they'll visit your home to do the survey and prepare the EPC.

 

How long is an EPC valid for?

Your EPC lasts for 10 years, so there's no rush to get a new one if the home you're buying already has a valid certificate.
 
However, if you make significant improvements – like adding insulation or installing solar panels – it's worth getting a new assessment. A better rating could increase your home's value if you decide to sell in the future.
 

How much does an EPC cost?

An EPC typically costs £60-£120, with most falling in the £60-£70 range. The exact price depends on your location, property size and which assessor you choose.
 
While it might feel like another expense when buying a home, remember that a good EPC rating can save you hundreds of pounds each year in energy costs.
 

What's in an EPC?

EPCs can look different depending on when and where they were issued, but they generally contain the same key information divided into these main sections:

 

Energy efficiency rating

This section shows a property's energy efficiency rating on a scale from A to G. The higher the rating (with A being the best), the more energy-efficient the home is.

 

Energy performance summary 

Here, you'll see a breakdown of how energy-efficient different parts of a property are – including walls, windows and the main heating system. Each feature is given a simple rating, ranging from very poor to very good, so you can see what's working well and where there may be opportunities to improve.

 

Estimated current costs

This part of the report gives an estimate of the property's annual energy costs. The figures cover heating, hot water, and lighting, but don't include additional energy use from appliances such as refrigerators, cookers or washing machines.

 

Recommendations

The recommendations section is particularly important because it includes tailored suggestions to help you save energy. These might involve upgrading insulation, fitting low-energy lighting or replacing your boiler. Each recommendation comes with estimated costs and the potential annual savings you could make.

 

Environmental impact

Your property also receives an environmental impact rating based on its annual carbon dioxide emissions. It follows the same A to G scale as the energy efficiency rating. You'll see how your property compares to the average household and how much you could potentially reduce emissions.
 

EPC ratings explained

EPC ratings provide valuable insight into a property's energy efficiency. On an EPC, you'll find two charts showing rating bands from A to G – one for the current rating and one for the potential rating, which estimates how much the home's efficiency could improve with recommended upgrades.
 
These ratings are based on the government's Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP), which scores properties from 1 to 100 points. Here's what each band means:

 

  • A (92-100 SAP points): Most efficient, with very low energy costs
  • B (81-91 SAP points): Very efficient, with low bills
  • C (69-80 SAP points): Good efficiency and manageable running costs
  • D (55-68 SAP points): Average efficiency (most UK homes fall into this category)
  • E (39-54 SAP points): Below average; expect higher energy costs
  • F (21-38 SAP points): Poor efficiency with higher bills
  • G (1-20 SAP points): Least efficient, with very high running costs
 
Thanks to modern energy-efficient building techniques, our new build homes are designed to achieve A or B ratings, which means lower energy costs right from the start  .
 
What do EPC ratings mean?

What can I do to improve my EPC rating?

Want to boost your home's energy efficiency? The good news is that even small changes can make a real difference to your EPC rating – and your running costs. 
 
Your EPC certificate is your starting point. Follow the specific recommendations for your property, as every home is different. However, the improvements below cover some of the most common EPC recommendations.

 

Start with insulation

Good insulation is like wrapping your home in a warm blanket – it's one of the most effective upgrades you can make. Some of the most common areas to focus on include the loft, walls and floors:


  • Loft insulation – aim for at least 270mm of insulation. If it's thinner or uneven, topping it up is usually straightforward and can make a noticeable difference.
  • Wall insulation – many homes built after the 1920s have cavity walls (two layers of brick with a gap in between). Filling this gap with insulation is often one of the most cost-effective upgrades. If your home has solid walls, internal or external insulation may be more expensive, but it delivers strong results.
  • Floor insulation – if your home has suspended timber floors (where floorboards sit above a space or void), adding insulation underneath can reduce heat loss and improve comfort.

 

Upgrade your windows

Single-glazed windows are like leaving the door open in winter. Double or triple glazing doesn't just cut heat loss – it also eliminates those chilly draughts and cold spots that make rooms uncomfortable.
 

Consider solar panels

Solar panels are a smart, long-term investment. They can boost your EPC rating and help reduce your energy bills by generating your own electricity. Instead of relying entirely on power from your supplier, you'll be using electricity generated by the panels.
 
And if your panels generate more electricity than you need, that extra energy won't go to waste. In many cases, you can sell it back to an energy company and earn a bit of money in return.
 

Switch to LED lighting

Here's the easiest win of all – swap your existing bulbs for LEDs. They use up to 80% less energy than traditional bulbs and last years longer, so you'll save on both energy bills and replacement costs. It's a small change that adds up over time.
 

Upgrade your heating system

An efficient boiler and smart heating controls can significantly improve your EPC rating. If your boiler is over 15 years old, replacing it with a modern boiler could lower your heating costs by hundreds of pounds every year. Adding smart heating controls, like timers and radiator valves, gives you more control over when and where you heat your home.
 

Draught-proof your home 

Sealing gaps around windows, doors and other openings is one of the most affordable ways to improve energy efficiency. Simple measures, such as fitting draught strips, filling gaps with expanding foam or adding keyhole covers, can make your home more comfortable and reduce heat loss.
 
Read our guide on saving energy for more ways to lower your bills and carbon footprint. 
 

Understanding EPC costs vs savings

Whether big or small, EPC improvements require investment, but it’s worth considering the long-term savings. Here's how to think about the costs:
 

Low-cost improvements (under £500)

  • LED lighting upgrades
  • Basic draught-proofing
  • Loft insulation top-up
 

Medium-cost improvements (£500-£5,000)

  • Cavity wall insulation
  • Boiler upgrades
  • Double glazing
 

Higher-cost improvements (£5,000+)

  • Solar panel installation
  • Solid wall insulation
  • Heat pump systems
 
Remember, many improvements not only reduce your energy bills but can also increase your property value, making them worthwhile investments whether you're staying put or planning to sell.
 

EPC FAQs

  • The EPC assessment takes 45 minutes to 1 hour for most homes, depending on your property's size and layout. 
  • An EPC is valid for 10 years from the date of issue.
  • A rating of C or above is considered good. Most UK homes currently have a D rating, so achieving anything higher means you're above the average. Our new build homes typically achieve A or B ratings thanks to modern construction methods.
  • An EPC assessment examines your property's key energy efficiency features, including insulation levels, heating systems, lighting, windows and doors, as well as any renewable energy features, such as solar panels.
  • Yes, all properties need an EPC when sold or rented. However, if you're buying a new build home from us, we'll provide the EPC as part of your purchase, so you won't need to arrange or pay for it separately.
     
    Ready to find your energy-efficient home? Explore our range of new build homes across the UK, designed with modern, energy-efficient features to help keep your bills low from day one.
     
    Call or visit our Sales Advisers to kickstart your homebuying journey today.
     

Our Offers to Help Get You Moving

Help to Sell

If you’re looking to start your next adventure, but are worried about the hassle of moving, we have a range of schemes available to help you sell your existing home.

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Part Exchange

We could be your guaranteed buyer, so no stress or fuss, just an easy move for you and your family. 

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Low Deposit Offers

If you have a low deposit, we have a variety of schemes available to help make moving more affordable.

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Own New - Rate Reducer

Own New - Rate Reducer is a brand-new scheme available on new build homes that could mean lower mortgage rates and reduced monthly payments.

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Movemaker

We could help you arrange to sell your existing home, so you'll have no estate agent fees to pay.

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