When selling a home in the UK, one of the first questions many homeowners ask is: Do I really need an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)?
The short answer is yes – an EPC is firmly on the home selling checklist. An EPC is a legal requirement in the UK and must be commissioned before the property is put on the market. It must also be available to show prospective buyers or tenants if requested. Failing to provide one can cause delays, reduce buyer confidence, and even result in fines.
In this article, we’ll cover what an EPC is, why it matters, and how you can go beyond compliance to make your home truly sale ready.
What Is an EPC?
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a document that shows how energy-efficient your property is, rated from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). It also includes recommendations for improving efficiency, which can be valuable to prospective buyers who want to understand the long-term running costs of the property.
There is no minimum EPC rating required to sell a property. However, a higher EPC rating can make your home more appealing to potential buyers.
An EPC lasts for 10 years. You only need a new Energy Performance Certificate if you are selling or letting a property after your current EPC expires.
EPCs are not required for:
- Listed buildings where improvements would affect character.
- Small, stand-alone buildings under 50 square metres.
- Places of worship.
- Holiday homes used less than four months a year.
- Properties due for demolition.
How to Get an EPC Quickly
The good news is, getting an EPC is simple. Our trusted partner EPC Choice is offering fast, reliable assessments carried out by qualified energy assessors. Operating across the UK, EPC Choice is a hassle-free way for homeowners to secure the certificate they need.
Why Being “Sale Ready” Matters
While an EPC is a legal requirement, it doesn’t tell the full story about your home’s condition. Increasingly, buyers want transparency upfront — not just about energy efficiency, but about the overall state of the property.
Wondering how to sell a house fast? Being sale ready is the key. By addressing potential issues early and presenting buyers with a clear picture of your property, you can speed up the process, reduce the risk of renegotiations, and keep your sale on track.
This is where Survey Shack helps sellers go one step further.
With the Survey Shack app, homeowners can:
- Inspect their property inside and out — from floor to chimney.
- Purchase an instant homeowner’s survey report with tailored insights on defects and recommended next steps.
- Upgrade to the Genie package, connecting with a professional surveyor for expert guidance after their inspection.
This proactive approach allows sellers to spot issues before a homebuyer’s survey does, helping to avoid renegotiations, delays, or even failed sales.
EPC and Property Condition in One Step
Not every homeowner wants to carry out their own inspection — and that’s absolutely fine. That’s why we’ve partnered with trusted EPC assessors who can take care of it for you.
In a single appointment, they can complete your EPC certificate and a property condition inspection, saving you time, hassle, and multiple visits. It’s the classic case of two birds with one stone — you meet the legal requirement for an EPC while also giving buyers peace of mind with a clear picture of your home’s condition.
The Bottom Line
Yes, you do need an EPC to sell your home. But savvy homeowners go beyond the bare minimum. By pairing your EPC with a Survey Shack Homeowner’s Report, you’ll be better prepared, more transparent, and more attractive to buyers.
Transparency builds trust. When buyers know what they are walking into, deals are far less likely to unravel under pressure.
If you’re interested in an EPC and Survey Shack Homeowner’s Report package, drop us an email at contact@survey-shack.com and our team will be happy to guide you through your options.
