Do you need an EPC to sell a house?
Yes. In England and Wales, a home needs a valid Energy Performance Certificate before it's marketed for sale. Your estate agent will ask for it before your listing goes live, and buyers must be able to see it. Trading Standards can fine sellers who market a home without one.
An EPC is valid for 10 years. If your home already has one, it may still be usable. Check by postcode on the GOV.UK Find an energy certificate service. If you've made improvements since then, a new EPC could show a better rating.
Why the rating matters to buyers
Your EPC rating appears on property portals next to the price and photos. Buyers use it to judge running costs, and many compare homes by it. The certificate also lists recommended improvements, so buyers can see what the home could achieve.
An accurate assessment protects your rating. If insulation, glazing or heating upgrades aren't recorded properly, your home can end up in a lower band than it deserves.
How to prepare for your EPC visit
A little preparation helps the assessment credit everything your home has:
- Make sure the assessor can get into every room and the loft.
- Have the boiler, hot water cylinder and heating controls accessible.
- Find paperwork for hidden work, such as cavity wall insulation guarantees, FENSA certificates for windows and boiler installation records.
- Have documents for any solar panels, heat pump or battery storage.
What happens next
The visit usually takes 30 to 60 minutes. Your assessor then produces your certificate and lodges it on the national EPC register, where your agent can access it. You get a copy with your rating and recommendations.
Last updated: 17 September 2026