If you’re planning to sell your home in Scotland, an EPC is an important document that can influence potential buyers’ decisions and ensure your property complies with legal regulations. In this article, we’ll take a look at everything there is to know about EPC ratings, why they are required, and what to do if you don’t have a valid one in place.
What is an EPC rating?
EPCs measure a home’s energy efficiency on a scale from A to G, with A being the most efficient and G being the least. EPCs remain valid for 10 years before they need renewing, and they include recommendations for energy-efficient upgrades, the expense of implementing them, and the potential savings from each home improvement.
An EPC rating can also estimate the overall cost of running the property. Therefore, if you’re selling your home, a valid EPC rating is essential.
Are EPCs required in Scotland?
Yes, if you’re selling a property in Scotland, you will need a valid EPC rating. The certificate must be made available to potential buyers as part of the Home Report, which is mandatory for most residential property sales in Scotland. The Home Report includes three key documents:
- Single survey – An assessment of the property’s condition, including a valuation.
- Property questionnaire – Information about the property, such as the council tax band and local authority notices.
- Energy report – Contains the EPC and recommendations for improving energy efficiency.
How long is an EPC valid for?
Once your home been issued its EPC rating, it will be valid for 10 years. This means that if you have an EPC rating that was issued within the last decade, you can use it to sell your property without needing a new assessment. However, if your EPC is older than 10 years, you’ll need to commission a new one before you can place your home on the market.
Checking your EPC’s validity
You can refer to the certificate itself to check if your EPC is still valid as it should state the date of issue and the expiry date. Additionally, you can look up your property’s EPC through Mygov.scot, where you can download a copy of the certificate and verify its validity.
When should I get a new EPC?
Even though EPCs have a 10-year life-span, there are circumstances when you might consider getting a new one before selling your home:
- Renovations – If you have made significant energy efficiency improvements to your home, such as double glazing, installing a new boiler, or insulation, a new EPC could reflect these changes and provide a better rating.
- Marketing to buyers – If potential buyers express concern about the current EPC rating, an updated assessment might help reassure them of the property’s efficiency.
- Standing out in a busy market – In a competitive market, having an up-to-date EPC with a good rating can make your property stand out from the rest.
How to get a new EPC
You can obtain an up-to-date EPC rating by hiring a qualified Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA) or an accredited Energy Assessor. You can find an accredited assessor through the EPC Register or by consulting local directories. Make sure to schedule the assessment well in advance of listing the property for sale to ensure compliance with legal requirements and to leave some time to make cost-effective improvements.
Thinking about selling? Book a valuation with our expert team today