What Are EPC Ratings and How Do They Affect Property Value?
When buying, selling, or renting out a property in the UK, one term you are almost certain to come across is EPC rating. For many homeowners, it’s just another piece of paperwork in the process, but an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) can have a direct impact on both your property’s market value and its appeal to buyers or tenants. In this article, we’ll explain what EPC ratings are, why they matter, and how they can influence the value of your home. What Is an EPC? An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a government-required document that measures the energy efficiency of a property. It provides a rating from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient), much like the energy labels you see on appliances. The EPC includes: The property’s current rating The potential rating if improvements are made Estimated energy costs Recommendations for upgrades, such as insulation or new heating systems. England, Wales and Northern Ireland, an EPC is valid for 10 years. In Scotland, it must al...