An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) shows how energy efficient a property is. It gives the home a rating from A to G, with A the most energy efficient and G the least.
An EPC can help you understand the property’s current energy performance, estimated energy use and the improvements that may raise its rating. However, it is not a survey and should sit alongside your wider checks on the property, budget and mortgage.
What to know before using an EPC
RATING
Understand the current score
The A-to-G rating gives you a quick view of the property’s assessed energy efficiency.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Use it as a starting point
The certificate recommends measures that may improve the rating, but you should investigate suitability and cost before carrying out the work.
VALIDITY
Check when it was issued
An EPC is normally valid for 10 years, but an older certificate may not reflect improvements made since the assessment.
LIMITS
Do not treat it as a survey
An EPC focuses on energy performance. It does not replace a property survey, affordability checks or your wider assessment of the home.
What does an EPC show?
An EPC gives a snapshot of the property’s assessed energy performance. It considers features such as insulation, heating, hot water, windows, lighting and renewable technology where present.
Current rating
The property’s existing energy-efficiency rating from A to G.
Potential rating
An estimate of how the property could perform if the recommended measures were completed.
Estimated energy use and costs
Indicative information about energy use and typical costs based on the assessment, rather than a prediction of your exact bills.
Recommended improvements
Measures that may improve the property’s energy performance, sometimes with indicative costs and savings.
Property details
Information recorded during the assessment, including features that influence the rating.
How EPC ratings are graded
EPC ratings run from A to G. A represents the highest energy efficiency, while G represents the lowest.
Rating
Broad interpretation
A to C
Higher energy efficiency
D
Mid-range energy efficiency
E to G
Lower energy efficiency and potentially more scope for improvement
The certificate also shows a potential rating. This estimates how the property could perform if the recommended measures were completed.
When do you need an EPC?
You normally need an EPC when a property is sold, rented out or newly built. Where an EPC is required for a sale or letting, it should be available to prospective buyers or tenants before the property is marketed.
An EPC is normally valid for 10 years. If a newer certificate is produced, that becomes the current EPC. Some properties are exempt, and requirements differ across the UK, so sellers and landlords should check the rules that apply to their property and location.
Why EPC ratings matter when buying a home
An EPC can help you look beyond the purchase price and consider how the home’s energy performance could affect your budget after completion.
Running costs
The EPC gives estimated energy-use information that can help you compare homes, although your actual bills will depend on how you use the property.
Improvement budget
A lower-rated home may need insulation, heating, glazing or other work, so factor likely improvements into your post-completion budget.
Property constraints
Older homes, leasehold properties and period buildings may have restrictions or practical limits on the improvements you can make.
Long-term plans
Improvement work may feel more worthwhile if you expect to stay in the property for longer, but the decision should still fit your budget and wider plans.
A lower EPC rating does not automatically make a property a poor purchase. The important point is to understand the likely work and cost before you commit.
Can your EPC rating affect your mortgage options?
For most standard mortgages, lenders focus mainly on affordability, deposit, credit profile, property type and loan-to-value rather than the EPC rating itself.
However, some green mortgage products use EPC or other energy-efficiency criteria. Depending on the lender, eligible properties may qualify for different rates, cashback, reduced fees or borrowing options.
If the property needs energy-efficiency work, the cost can also affect the cash you have available after completion and any future borrowing plans. The EPC may therefore influence the wider mortgage decision without replacing the usual lender checks.
Could your home qualify for a green mortgage?
See how energy-efficiency criteria and mortgage incentives can vary by lender.
How to improve your EPC rating
Start with the recommendations on the current EPC, then check which measures are suitable for the property. Depending on the home, improvements may include insulation, heating controls, more efficient heating, glazing or renewable technology.
Do not assume every recommendation will offer the same value. Compare the likely effect with the cost, condition of the property and your plans for the home. Our guide to green home improvements explains how to prioritise and fund the work.
How Muttuo Mortgages can help
An EPC can shape your property plans, but it is only one part of the mortgage decision. We can help you compare mortgage options and explain where energy-efficiency criteria may matter.
Compare mortgage options based on your property and circumstances
Check whether green mortgage products may be available
Review options from more than 100 lenders before you apply
Talk through your options
Explore mortgage options and understand how the property, EPC and any improvement plans may fit your wider borrowing position.
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
Your EPC questions answered
What is a good EPC rating?
Ratings A to C indicate higher energy efficiency than the lower bands. However, a D rating is common across many homes and does not automatically make a property unsuitable.
How long does an EPC last?
An EPC is normally valid for 10 years from the date it is issued, unless a newer certificate replaces it. An older certificate may not reflect improvements made after the assessment.
Do you need an EPC to sell a house?
You normally need a valid EPC when marketing a property for sale, although exemptions can apply. Requirements differ across the UK, so check the rules for your property and location.
Can you sell a house with a low EPC rating?
A low EPC rating does not normally prevent a sale. Buyers may still factor the rating, expected running costs and improvement work into their decision and budget.
Can an EPC rating help with a green mortgage?
Possibly. Some green mortgage products use EPC or other energy-efficiency criteria, but eligibility varies by lender. Compare any green mortgage with standard options rather than assuming it will be the cheapest or most suitable deal.
