An EPC is useful when a property is going to change hands. This applies to both sales and rentals. The new occupiers will then have an idea of the running costs. This EPC is valid for ten years. But if the property is upgraded a fresh certificate is not required but may display an improved score.

If A premises is being offered for rent it must have an EPC. If a property is being offered for sale there is no obligation to have an EPC. However, mortgage lenders will ask to have one. They are wary that if the mortgage holder defaults the property will be repossessed and will need to be sold off quickly and quite probably to a new purchaser that will want to rent the property out.

There is a common misconception that listed buildings are exempt from requiring an EPC. Listed buildings should have an EPC created to see what needs doing. They may be exempt from certain measures which alter their appearance and affect their listed status.

An EPC may be required to access certain government grants etc. The whole subject of grants is constantly changing. For this reason, we do not give advice in this area.