Energy Performance Certificates were introduced back in 2008 by the Government as part of its plan to improve the country’s housing stock which was in a fairly poor condition.

Although it was introduced at the same time as the now defunct Home Information Packs, the EPC has always been a separate item and is written into UK Legislation.

The EPC has gone through a new changes in its time, mainly by improvements to the conventions laid down that we as assessors have to follow, this means that EPCs which are less than  2 years old are a better reflection of the property than those produced 6 years ago. This is just reflecting an improvement in standards, taking into newer technologies and renewable energy.

Once produced and EPC is valid for 10 years. If you choose to re-sell a property within that time period, you are not obliged to have another EPC done but you may want to if you have made any improvements to the property, even if it is something as simple as adding some extra loft insulation or replacing a boiler. Why would you not want to show how you have improved the property!

Although when they were initially introduced they were aimed at those selling their properties, they have now become an essential part of the rental sector and most noteably that from 1st April 2018 if you have a property which is band F or G that you wont be able to let that property. If this applies to any properties in your portfolio I would suggest you give it your attention now.

Also see: How to Improve EPC rating? & What is an EPC?