From May 2010 A Home Information Pack (HIP) is no longer required when you sell a property.  However an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is mandatory if you are selling or renting a property, as part of a European Directive.    An example of an EPC is shown below.

EPCs provide information on a property’s energy efficiency using a sliding scale – ‘A’ being the most efficient to ‘G’ being the least efficient. 

In addition to the energy efficient rating which is related to running costs, the EPC also shows the Environment Impact Rating relating to the carbon dioxide emissions.  The EPC report makes recommendations of how to improve the rating of a property but there are no statutory requirements to carry out any of the recommended energy efficiency measure.

Only qualified and accredited domestic energy assessors and qualified certified home inspectors can produce EPCs for domestic properties.   They analyse how homes are constructed, insulated, heated and ventilated and the type of fuel being used.

Once a property has an EPC it gets a unique number and is registered on a national database by the assessor.  Extra copies can be downloaded by using the reference number on the top right hand side of the certificate.

Sellers are required to commission an EPC before marketing a property but do not need to have received it before marketing can commence.

Thornley Groves will organise your EPC on instruction and our experienced team will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding the cost and what is involved.