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energy performance certificates



 

how do I obtain an EPC?

speak to us! Using the latest technology, we'll order the EPC extremely quickly, so you can commence marketing, and then track progress until it is has been completed by the qualified Energy Assessor. 

What’s more, if you instruct us on one of our Online Extra marketing packages there will be nothing to pay for the EPC.* We can then arrange for any potential buyer or tenant to have access to the EPC if requested by them.
 

what is an energy performance certificate?

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rates the energy efficiency of a property and its carbon emissions and suggests ways improve its energy efficiency. 
 
Since October 2008, all homes sold or rented out require an EPC, and the energy ratings have to be displayed on the Property Particulars.
 

I'm looking to sell my property - will I need an EPC?

Yes, you will need to have commissioned, but not necessarily received, an EPC before marketing can start. The law also requires all estate agents to ensure that an EPC is in place, or has been commissioned before marketing starts.

 

what do you mean by "commissioned an EPC"?

This means that you or your estate agent must have instructed an accredited Energy Assessor to carry out an energy performance assessment and produce an EPC, and enclosed the payment for the EPC or an undertaking to pay for it. 
 
For speed and convenience, we can organise this for you. If you instruct us to sell your property using one of our Online Extra marketing packages we will supply the EPC free of charge.* 
 
If you decide to organise the EPC yourself, your estate agent will need to receive the EPC itself, or evidence that the EPC has been commissioned, as explained above. Speak to your estate agent for further details.

 

I do not want to pay for an EPC at the outset - can you help?

If you instruct us to sell your property using one of our Online Extra marketing packages, Sequence will supply the EPC free of charge.* If you use our Home Conveyancing service you can also apply for a refund of the price of the Online Extra marketing packages following completion of your sale. Contact your local office to find out more about the marketing packages we can offer you.
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I am looking to let out my property to tenants - will I need an EPC?

Yes. Your property will require an EPC to be in place before marketing can commence, so it can be available to show to potential tenants. A tenant is entitled to receive a copy of the EPC before moving into the property.

 

are there any exemptions from the need to have an EPC?

An EPC is required when a building is constructed, rented or sold. A building will need an EPC if it has a roof and walls and has heating, air conditioning or mechanical ventilation. A garden shed, garage or old barn would not need an EPC if it doesn’t use energy to heat it up or cool it down. The following buildings are always exempt:  
  • Place of worship 
  • Temporary building that will be used for less than two years 
  • Standalone buildings with total useful floor area of fewer than 50 metres squared that aren’t used to provide living accommodation for a single household 
Contact your nearest branch who can advise you if your property will need an EPC
 
 

what is the penalty for not providing an EPC?

There is a fixed penalty of £200, which will be enforced by Trading Standards. To avoid having to pay a penalty fee, we recommend you instruct us to arrange an energy assessment on your behalf. 

 

how are emissions and energy used measured in an EPC?

EPCs carry ratings that compare the current energy efficiency and carbon dioxide emissions with potential emissions that a property could achieve. Potential figures are calculated by estimating what the energy efficiency and emissions would be if energy saving measures were put in place. 
 
The ratings measure the energy and carbon emission efficiency of a property using a grade from A to G. An A rating is the most efficient, while G is the least efficient. The average efficiency grade to date is D. All homes are measured using the same calculations, so you can compare the energy efficiency of different properties.

 

what recommendations will an EPC contain?

An EPC will provide a detailed report on the property, showing what can be done to help reduce the amount of energy used, and the carbon dioxide emitted. It will include: 
  • Summary of the key elements in the property that have an impact on its performance ratings, such as windows, heating systems, and controls 
  • Suggested improvements, like fitting loft insulation 
  • Possible cost savings per year, if the improvements were made 
  • How the recommendations would change the energy and carbon emission rating of the property
 

how long is an EPC valid for?

10 years. However, if a newer EPC has been produced, the newer EPC must be used.

 

I have an EPC but have since put in a new heating. Do I need a new EPC?

You do not need to do this if you don’t want to. Instead, you could provide written details on the home improvement that you have made to your Estate Agent, together with a written request to update the Property Particulars. 

 
Find your nearest office for more advice about EPCs
 
 
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