The EPC regulations were introduced in 2008 and saw properties rated from A to G with A being the most energy efficient and G being the worst. Over the years, EPC ratings have become a benchmark for homeowners to achieve the best possible rating and this has begun to trickle down into decision making for prospective buyers, particularly as our energy costs continue to rise.
An EPC will assess several factors in the home to determine the rating and includes potential guidance towards areas where a homeowner might be able to improve the energy performance of their home. The factors assessed include:
- Roof/Loft Insulation
- Cavity Wall Insulation
- Floor Insulation
- Windows
- Main Heating Sources
- Hot Water Sources
- Lighting
If you are looking to sell or rent your home, you will appoint an EPC Assessor to visit your property to carry out an assessment. During the assessment, he/she/they will look at the loft space, floors, walls, windows, and heating systems to establish whether the property is energy efficient. The results from this assessment are populated into a software programme that determine the energy rating and the scope of the assessment will be available in the certificate. Once completed, the EPC will be uploaded to a national database and is available to any member of the public to download.
EPCs are valid for 10 Years from the date of issue but you can have an EPC assessment carried out periodically as you make improvements to your home. Whilst homeowners are not mandated to achieve any rating should they wish to sell their home, as savvy buyers look for value when purchasing homes, it may be that a low EPC rating could become a bargaining point on the price they are willing to pay. For landlords, the property must achieve an EPC rating of D or above before it can be legally let to a tenant. EPCs are becoming a primary consideration for buyers, sellers, landlords and tenants.
As time goes by, we fully expect that property prices will be affected by their energy performance and with the 2050 net zero ambitions just over 25 years away, we expect to see a big shift in mentality when buyers are considering purchasing a property. Of course, EPCs aren’t just for those who wish to sell or let their homes, the assessment can also highlight areas of energy improvements that can be made. For example, it may not be possible for a homeowner to know if their cavity walls are insulated or whether the floor is adequately insulated. An EPC can be a valuable benchmark for any homeowners looking to invest in making their homes energy efficient.
