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EPC – Energy Performance Certificate Explained
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) shows how energy efficient a building is. The certificate gives the property an energy-efficiency rating from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient) and includes recommendations for improving its energy performance.
For homes in England and Wales, an EPC is normally required when a property is built, sold or rented out. If there is no valid EPC, one must be commissioned before the property is marketed for sale or rent.
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How long is an EPC valid?
An EPC is normally valid for 10 years, unless a newer EPC is produced for the same building. A valid certificate can generally be reused during that period rather than obtaining a new one every time a property is sold or a tenancy changes.
You can check whether a property already has a valid certificate using the Government’s Find an energy certificate service.
Do you need the EPC before marketing?
The current rules require the EPC to be commissioned before marketing if a valid certificate is not already available. Government guidance explains that first-day marketing can still take place while the commissioned EPC is being obtained; the certificate itself does not always have to be in hand on the first day.
The seller or landlord must make the EPC available to prospective buyers or tenants at the required stage and provide it to the eventual buyer or tenant free of charge.
Commercial buildings
Commercial and other non-domestic buildings have their own EPC guidance. An EPC is generally required when relevant premises are sold, rented out or when construction is completed. Certain large commercial premises that are frequently visited by the public must also display an EPC where the statutory conditions are met.
The rules contain exemptions and special cases, so do not assume that every building or transaction needs a certificate. The current GOV.UK commercial EPC guidance is the best starting point.
Is an EPC the same as planning permission or Building Regulations?
No. An EPC is part of the energy-performance regime. It does not grant planning permission and is not a substitute for Building Regulations approval. A project can therefore have separate planning, Building Regulations and EPC requirements.
Scotland and Northern Ireland have separate EPC regimes, so the England and Wales guidance should not be applied to them without checking their own rules.
EPC Page Updated: 27th August 2026