Do I need another EPC

frankie

I understand that an EPC is validated for 10 years.

However, do I need a new one if selling within that time?

I have probably 'bettered' the EPC on my place as I have installed double glazing and new lighting. My current EPC is dated January 2013.

Thanks

rosie383

I'm sure someone will give you a more definitive answer, but TBH we have looked at many, many houses and have never once bothered to ask about the EPC. The rating on our own house wasn't brilliant, and yet we know it is a warm, dry house with lower gas and elec bills than any of my friends.
Perhaps for others it may be a deal breaker.

BlaEm

Hi Frankie,

I wouldn't worry about the new EPC - your buyer will be able to work out that EP is likely to have been improved as you'll provide the Fensa certs for the windows (and the double glazing should be mentioned in the property particulars when advertised) which will show this had happened at a later date.

I purchased last year and was given a terrible EPC from 2008, prior to my vendor installing new windows. It was pretty low down on my list of requirements!

Baxter100

No - you do not need a new EPC. Any certificate is valid for 10 years, regardless of whether there have been any changes to any of the energy efficiency aspects of the house. I think the government thought that a seller would voluntarily have a new EPC completed to reflect any new and shiny energy efficiency features in the house, but I suspect this is probably unlikely!

By and large, no-one cares about the EPC. Which is odd considering that energy bills are often quoted as being one of the major concerns a homeowner has, but there you go.

penguingirl

We are re-using the EPC that was done 7 years ago last time our house was on the market. The EA still had a copy of it, and tbh I really don't think anyone cares, so it saved us £50. We are also looking to buy at the moment and it's not something I've particularly looked at.

rosie383

I found that viewers were more interested in our average monthly fuel bills than the EPC. So if you have that info to hand, it could be useful.

jonathanrolande

You don’t need a new one and it is unlikely anyone would prefer the flat based on a slightly improved EPC.

I’d save the money to be honest.

Johnandabby

Double glazing and new lighting aren't likely to make much difference to the rating. To be honest, with the constant changing of the calculation software you could end up with a worse EPC rating, so just stick with what you've got. You can download the existing one from https://www.epcregister.com/ if you've lost it or need the electronic copy.

Much better to spend some of the money on scented candles, or biscuits for viewers!

Argghhh

i have never looked at an EPC yet, if it is the house you want you wont care if it has a whirlwind blowing through it, you will sort it when its yours
noone has searched by EPC, seen the best rating and bought a house on its merits, its all about the house!

frankie

Thanks for all useful comments. Will stick with my existing EPC. Agree that thay are virtually useless, just wanted to clarify the legal position.