UK Glossary · Definition

What is EPC?

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a mandatory UK document that rates a property's energy efficiency from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). An EPC is legally required for any property being sold, rented, or built in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and is valid for ten years.

Also known as: Energy Performance Certificate

Definition

Full definition

EPCs were introduced in the UK in 2007 as part of the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive. The rating is based on factors including wall and loft insulation, glazing types, heating system efficiency, hot water systems, and renewable energy installations.

The EPC is produced by an accredited Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA) using the RdSAP methodology (Reduced data Standard Assessment Procedure). The assessor needs measurements of every room, glazing details, heating system information, and a floor plan with Gross Internal Area (GIA) calculations per room.

EPCs are publicly searchable on the UK government EPC register. Estate agents must include the EPC rating in any property marketing material, and the certificate itself must be provided to buyers/tenants at the point of sale or letting.

Process

How it works

  1. Vendor or landlord commissions an accredited DEA.
  2. DEA visits the property (or uses provided plans + measurements) and records building fabric, heating, glazing, etc.
  3. Floor plan with GIA calculations is required as part of the assessment data.
  4. DEA enters data into RdSAP software which calculates the energy rating.
  5. EPC is lodged on the UK EPC register and a PDF certificate issued.
UK Context

Why it matters for UK property professionals

  • Legally required for UK property sales, rentals, and new builds — letting an EPC-less property is illegal.
  • Buyers and tenants increasingly compare EPC ratings as part of decisions — F and G ratings can hurt sale price.
  • Government minimum energy efficiency standards (MEES) prohibit letting properties below an E rating in most cases.
Quick reference

Typical UK pricing & turnaround

Cost
EPC certificate: £45–£120 per property (typical DEA fee). Supporting floor plan with GIA: from £6.30 with VizCraft.
Turnaround
EPC: 1–3 days. Supporting plan: 6–12 hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

An EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) is a mandatory UK document that rates a property's energy efficiency from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). It is legally required for any property being sold, rented or built in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and is valid for ten years.

Accredited Domestic Energy Assessors (DEAs) need a floor plan with Gross Internal Area (GIA) calculations per room as part of the RdSAP assessment. Estate agents commissioning EPCs on behalf of vendors often supply a supporting floor plan to speed the assessment. VizCraft's EPC floor plans start from £6.30 per plan with 6–12 hour delivery.

EPCs are valid for ten years from the date of issue. After that, a new EPC must be commissioned before the property can be sold or rented again. EPC ratings can change over the ten years if the property is improved (better insulation, new boiler, solar panels) — in that case a new EPC can be commissioned voluntarily to reflect the improvements.

Under the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES), most UK rental properties must have an EPC rating of E or higher. There are some exemptions, but in general letting a property rated F or G is illegal unless the landlord has registered a valid exemption. The government has proposed raising this to C for new tenancies in coming years.

Need epc for a UK property?

VizCraft delivers this work for UK estate agents, photographers and developers — typically within 6–12 hours.