EPCs - Everything Anyone Selling Their Home Needs To Know

Date Published 11 March 2024

If you're thinking of selling your home you'll want to get all the paperwork in order and make sure everything you need is at hand.

However, you might not be aware of the rules surrounding Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs), which are now required by law whenever a property is sold.

Your estate agent should advise you about all aspects of setting yourself up for a successful sale, and even take on the tasks of getting much of the paperwork done for you. Your solicitor will take care of the rest.

However, an EPC for potential buyers must be ordered before you market your property to sell and you can even be fined if you don't get it when you need one. Bearing all this in mind, it really is one of the first things you need to know about when you decide to sell your home.

EPC contents

The EPC is based on an assessment of your property and results in an energy efficiency rating, which ranges from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). This certification is valid for 10 years.

More than that, the EPC also contains information about a property's energy use and the typical energy costs that will be associated with this. There are also helpful recommendations regarding ways to reduce energy use and therefore save money too.

Getting an EPC – We can help!

As the EPC is based on an assessment of the property it has to be carried out by an accredited person, who will also issue and sign off the certificate. Our in-house domestic energy assessor can provide you with an EPC from as little as £95, depending on the size of the property.

The EPC rating you are given will depend on the amount of energy used per m² and the level of carbon dioxide emissions, which is given in tonnes per year.

Compare EPCs

You can look at an EPC for other properties free of charge. It's a good way to compare your home's energy performance with that of other similar ones and give you an idea of what to expect.

When you get an EPC you can opt out of this public register if you don't want other people doing the same! You simply have to contact the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC).

Of course, there are things you can do to try and make sure you get the best EPC rating for your home. It can be an important step in finding the right buyer, because the details have to be included in the marketing of your property by law. This means having a higher EPC score is a good way to make sure you are competing on the same level as other sellers and making your home more attractive to potential buyers.

EPC Tips

Because the EPC rating is based on energy efficiency it means there are some common sense things you can do to prepare for the assessment.

The most common recommendations on EPCs include insulating hot water cylinders, installing heating controls such as thermostatic radiator valves, insulating walls and lofts, and making sure double glazing is in good order.

Of course, if you've got solar panels fitted or have a combi boiler you'll already be ahead of the game. Even so, paying some attention to how you might be able to make the most of the positive aspects of you EPC is well worth doing.

If you are thinking of selling your home in Ferring, Goring or around Worthing and would like to know more about EPCs we'd be happy to help - get in touch by calling 01903 501105, email us or visit us in the office at 325 Goring Road, Goring by Sea BN12 4NX.