Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) - Everything Sellers Need To Know

 

When selling your home, it is essential to possess a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). This documentation plays a crucial role in helping potential buyers understand the energy efficiency and environmental impact of the property they are considering.

In this article, we will delve into the significance of EPCs, why they are necessary when selling and how to obtain one for your UK property.

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Understanding EPCs

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) provides information about a property’s energy efficiency and its environmental footprint. These certificates are valid for a period of 10 years. Whether you are a homeowner or a landlord, having an EPC is mandatory when selling your property.

EPCs grade properties on a scale from A to G, with A being highly efficient and G indicating poor energy efficiency. This assessment takes into account various factors, including appliances, heating systems, insulation, and other elements affecting energy consumption.

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Importance of EPCs When Selling a Property

In the UK, it is a legal requirement to have an EPC when selling any property. As the seller, it is your responsibility to ensure that your home has a valid and non-expired EPC. If your certificate has expired, it is crucial to arrange for a new one before putting your property on the market. Fortunately, your estate agent in Kent, Quealy & Co can assist you in quickly obtaining a new EPC.

Apart from legal compliance, EPCs serve as a valuable tool for potential buyers. They provide insights into the energy efficiency of the property, including:

• Energy efficiency of the property and its appliances.
• Grade of energy efficiency achieved by the property.
• Estimation of potential energy bills for the property.

Failure to obtain an EPC can result in fines during the conveyancing process. Therefore, it is crucial to adhere to this requirement to ensure a smooth selling experience.

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EPCs for Landlord Sellers

If you are a landlord selling a property, an EPC is still mandatory. It serves as an important document to showcase the energy efficiency of the property to potential tenants. However, there are a few exceptions to when an EPC may not be needed, such as for certain holiday accommodations based on the duration, or licensing agreements. Landlords should refer to the GOV.UK website for a complete list of exemptions.

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Obtaining an EPC for Your Home

To obtain a new EPC, you will need to schedule an inspection with an accredited energy assessor. You can conveniently book an inspection online via the GOV.UK website or seek assistance from your trusted estate agent in Kent, Quealy & Co.

If you wish to verify whether your property already has a valid EPC that hasn’t expired, you can check the GOV.UK website for existing certificates.

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Contact Your Trusted Estate Agent in Kent, Quealy & Co

At Quealy & Co, we are your local estate agents in Sittingbourne and the surrounding area. Our friendly team is dedicated to assisting you throughout the home selling process, including arranging your EPC and preparing your property for sale.

Call us on 01795 429836 or email hello@quealy.co.uk  to chat with a member of our friendly and experienced team.

You can also use our instant online valuation tool if you want a ballpark figure of your home's value to sell or to let: Click here