Published: 19/09/2024
Since 2007, homeowners in England are required to obtain an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) when selling their property. An EPC provides a detailed assessment of a home's energy efficiency, offering a rating that ranges from A, indicating the highest level of efficiency, to G, which signifies the least efficient properties.The certificate is a helpful tool for prospective buyers, giving them an idea of the potential energy costs they might face if they purchase the property. With environmental awareness on the rise, a home with a high energy efficiency rating can also be a strong selling point. Many buyers are now seeking properties in Raynes Park that align with their sustainability goals, and energy-efficient homes can not only reduce utility bills but also have a smaller carbon footprint.
If you’re preparing to sell your property in Raynes Park, understanding how to get your EPC and maximise your rating is crucial. Here's how you can obtain an Energy Performance Certificate and what steps you can take to improve your home’s energy efficiency, potentially boosting its appeal to eco-conscious buyers and helping you secure the best possible rating.
What does the EPC tell you?
Not only do energy performance certificates include the current energy efficiency rating from A to G as well as 1-100, but they also show the potential rating the property could achieve if certain improvements were carried out. This is useful for those selling homes as fixer-uppers, as it allows you to show the home’s potential.Included in the EPC is the environmental CO2 impact rating, which gives you an idea of the amount of CO2 that will be produced when heating and using hot water in the home.
This rating is important because it reflects the environmental footprint of the property. A lower CO2 rating indicates a more eco-friendly home, which can result in lower energy costs. For those looking to sell, a home with a low CO2 impact can be a fantastic selling point, particularly as buyers are often looking for properties that reflect sustainable living practices.
Do I need to get an EPC?
Most residential properties up for sale since 2007 have needed an EPC, and if you’re renting out a property, you’ll need to get one produced every 10 years.There are a few exceptions that might apply, although most exemptions are for commercial or religious buildings. If it’s a mixed-use building, such as a house that is part of a shop, if it’s less than 50m2 or if it’s used less than four months a year, for example, a holiday home, then you may be exempt.
How is an EPC generated?
EPCs are produced by expert assessors who’ll arrange to visit your property in Raynes Park once you’ve decided to sell. The assessor carries out a number of inspections, such as:- Loft insulation
- Boiler
- Double glazing
- Hot water tank
- Radiators
These measurements are easy to carry out, there’s no drilling or noise, and it’s non-invasive, so there is no risk that anything will get damaged.
The homeowner is the one who pays for the EPC, but the good news is that it’s not expensive. It’s easy to compare prices online, and you can use any certified assessor to do the report. Please ask us for our EPC assessor recommendations.
Improving your EPC
Your report is likely to include several ways that you can improve your EPC rating. These will be specific to your property, so it’s worth having a read through them and deciding whether to take action before you sell your home in Raynes Park.If your EPC rating is particularly low, it may be worth making home improvements to boost your rating. For example:
- Adding more loft insulation: Increasing the thickness of your loft insulation can make a significant difference. Even if you already have insulation, topping it up can improve your EPC score, as heat is often lost through the roof.
- Adding wall insulation: Homes with poor insulation in the walls often feel drafty, which leads to energy inefficiency. By insulating cavity or solid walls, you can keep heat inside for longer, reducing the need to crank up the heating and saving on energy bills.
- Upgrading your boiler: An outdated boiler can be a major energy drain. Replacing it with a modern condensing boiler can potentially add up to 20 points to your EPC, especially if the current one is very old. Newer models are more energy-efficient and can help lower both energy costs and emissions.
- Sealing chimneys: While open fireplaces add character to a home, they can also allow drafts and heat loss, lowering your EPC score. If you want to maintain the fireplace aesthetic, consider replacing it with a more efficient log burner, which retains heat better and is more energy-efficient.
- Keeping documentation: EPC assessors base evaluations on what they can see. If insulation is hidden in hard-to-reach areas, like behind walls or under floorboards, make sure you keep any documentation from when it was installed. This will provide proof for the assessor and could boost your rating.
Looking to Sell Your Home?
When it’s time to sell your home in Raynes Park, an EPC is a legal requirement, but luckily, it’s a quick, easy process to get your grade, and is something Ellisons can advise on.Although it may seem like just another thing to arrange, it’s easy to find an assessor to provide energy reports, and they will give you tailored suggestions on how to improve your home’s energy efficiency and improve your existing EPC.
For further help with your EPC, please contact us and we will be happy to advise and recommend. Call us on 020 8944 9595 or email us at raynespark@ellisonsuk.com
In the meantime, we've answered your common questions about EPC's.