EPC and property listing discrepancy

wolfbane9

Hi guys just want to run something past experts on here. EA sent over EPC alongside memorandum of sale etc today (2 weeks late but did have Christmas!). I checked EPC again and noticed in there it says no loft insulation whereas in the listing it says quite prominently that there is. Should I be querying this?

davidmcn

Look in the loft yourself. That's more reliable than the EPC (which could be from a while ago eg before they laid insulation) or the EA's blurb. 

wolfbane9

I haven't finished the sale yet waiting to exchange contracts and won't have opportunity to look for a while with new lockdown. 

davidmcn

wolfbane9 said:

I haven't finished the sale yet waiting to exchange contracts and won't have opportunity to look for a while with new lockdown. 

So, you haven't looked in the loft, and you haven't instructed a surveyor to look in the loft? Could be anything up there! When does the EPC date from?
New lockdown doesn't prohibit viewings or surveys. 

AdrianC

EPCs are usually done by standing in the hall and guessing.

badger09

EPC valid for 10 years. Even an up to date cert is about as useful as a chocolate teapot IMO. 

Chandler85

I sold a property using the same EPC (as no one cares about them) that was used when I bought it.

Since I had bought the house, it had has new central heating put in, single glazing replaced with double glazing, new front and back doors, LED lights etc etc.  The EPC didn't reflect this, but the buyers were more interested in what was there, as oppose to a tickbox exercise.

Okydoky25

Chandler85 said:

I sold a property using the same EPC (as no one cares about them) that was used when I bought it.

Since I had bought the house, it had has new central heating put in, single glazing replaced with double glazing, new front and back doors, LED lights etc etc.  The EPC didn't reflect this, but the buyers were more interested in what was there, as oppose to a tickbox exercise.

Same here. I suggested to our agent we get a new one as we have done the same as yourselves and we’re basically told we can if we wanted but it really wasn’t a deal breaker for viewers. 

robatwork

Bear in mind it may be advantageous to NOT have loft insulation. This is a Primary improvement for which you could get a Green Deal grant explained here - https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/utilities/green-homes-grant/#choose

Then you can get a grant for a Secondary improvement too which could bag you a new door or windows.

https://www.simpleenergyadvice.org.uk/energy-efficiency/home-improvements

greatcrested

badger09 said:

EPC valid for 10 years. Even an up to date cert is about as useful as a chocolate teapot IMO. 

Not even that. At least you can eat a chocolate teapot.

gab3x

Instruct your solicitor to raise as query, that way they need to answer truthfully BUT as someone already said - to buy a house without yourself or surveyor taking a good look at these areas is a little risky.