Understanding an EPC: A UK Homeowner's Guide

An EPC rates a property's energy efficiency on a scale from A, the most efficient, to G, the least efficient. It also lists recommended improvements, such as loft insulation or a more efficient boiler, along with their likely effect on the rating.

An EPC is a legal requirement in England, Wales, and Scotland when you sell a property, rent it out, or build a new one. It must be commissioned before the property is marketed, not arranged afterwards.

A rented property in England and Wales must also meet a minimum EPC rating to be let. Check current government guidance for the minimum rating that applies, since this has been reviewed over time.

An EPC is valid for 10 years from the date it was issued. After that, a new assessment is needed before the property can be marketed for sale or rent again.

From October 2026, a new EPC shows several scores side by side, instead of one single rating. This is meant to make it clearer which part of a home, such as heating or insulation, is holding its score back.

An EPC issued before this date under the old, single-score format stays valid until its own 10-year expiry. You do not need to get a new one just because the format has changed.

Keeping your EPC alongside the rest of your property's maintenance record means it is easy to find when you come to sell, rather than searching for it once a buyer asks.