Do I Need an EPC Before Selling My House in London?

If you are planning to sell your house, flat or apartment in London, one of the most common questions is whether you need an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) before putting the property on the market.

The answer is yes. A valid EPC is legally required before a property is marketed for sale. Whether you are selling a family home in Wimbledon, a flat in Canary Wharf, a Victorian terrace in Islington or an apartment in Greenwich, having your EPC in place can help avoid delays and keep your sale moving smoothly. EPCRATE offers same-day EPC assessments across London from £59 — call 020 3488 4142 to book.

Founded in 2015 by Jino Jose, EPCRATE has helped homeowners, landlords and estate agents across London obtain fast and professional EPC assessments, with same-day appointments available in many areas.

What Is an EPC?

An Energy Performance Certificate measures the energy efficiency of a property and provides a rating from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient).

The certificate gives prospective buyers useful information about the property’s energy performance and includes recommendations that may help improve efficiency and reduce running costs.

An EPC typically includes:

• Current energy efficiency rating.
• Potential future rating if improvements are made.
• Estimated annual energy costs.
• Carbon emissions data.
• Recommended improvement measures with estimated savings.

Domestic EPCs remain valid for 10 years from the date of issue.

Do You Need an EPC Before Selling a Property?

Yes — under UK law, a valid EPC must be obtained and made available to prospective buyers before a property is marketed for sale. Failure to have an EPC in place can result in a £200 fine per property.

Estate agents will request confirmation that an EPC has been commissioned before launching a property listing. Having a valid certificate ready before the property goes live prevents unnecessary delays and provides buyers with important energy performance information from day one.

If a valid EPC already exists and has not expired, a new assessment is not required. You can check whether a current EPC exists by searching the official government EPC register.

When Should You Arrange Your EPC?

Arranging your EPC before the property goes on the market is recommended. Booking early can:

• Prevent delays when listing with an estate agent.
• Support a smoother sales process from launch.
• Provide buyers with energy performance information immediately.
• Allow time to consider recommended improvements that could boost the rating.

Many London homeowners book their EPC at the same time as property photography, floor plans and marketing materials. EPCRATE’s EPC + Floor Plan Bundle at £118 covers both in a single visit, saving you £20 versus booking separately.

How Long Does an EPC Last?

A domestic EPC remains valid for 10 years from the date it is issued. If you have previously sold, rented or remortgaged your property, you may already hold a valid certificate.

If the certificate has expired or significant improvements have been made to the property, a new assessment will be required before marketing.

What Happens During an EPC Assessment?

The assessment process is straightforward and non-invasive. During the visit, the assessor records:

• Property dimensions.
• Wall and roof construction.
• Heating systems and controls.
• Hot water systems.
• Glazing and fixed lighting.
• Insulation where supporting evidence is available.

The information is entered into approved assessment software to produce the EPC. EPCRATE typically lodges the certificate on the national register within 24 hours of the assessment. Most residential assessments are completed in under an hour.

Can a Better EPC Rating Help Sell a Property?

Energy efficiency is increasingly important to London buyers, particularly given rising energy costs and growing awareness of property running expenses. A stronger EPC rating may provide additional reassurance and can be a positive selling point — especially for buyers comparing similar properties.

If your property is currently rated D or below, EPCRATE can advise on practical improvements that could raise the rating before your assessment. Call 020 3488 4142 to discuss your options.

EPCs for Flats, Apartments and Leasehold Properties

The same EPC requirements apply whether you are selling:

• A detached or terraced house.
• A flat or apartment.
• A leasehold property.
• A maisonette.

Across London, we regularly assess properties ranging from modern apartments in Stratford and Canary Wharf to period conversions in Camden, Islington and South Kensington.

EPC Pricing for London Home Sales

Service	Price
1 Bedroom EPC	£59
2 Bedroom EPC	£69
3 Bedroom EPC	£79
EPC + Floor Plan Bundle	£118

Selling multiple properties? Contact EPCRATE on 020 3488 4142 for bulk EPC discounts available to landlords, estate agents and property professionals across London.

Why Choose EPCRATE?

• Founded in 2015 by Jino Jose — DEA and NDEA Accredited.
• ★★★★★ Trustpilot Reviews.
• Same-day appointments available across all London boroughs.
• Only London provider offering a Draft EPC service.
• Greater London Energy Efficiency Awards – Commended 2024.
• Greater London Energy Efficiency Awards – Highly Commended 2025 (Campbell Braybrooke Ltd).

Frequently Asked Questions: EPC Before Selling in London

Do I need an EPC before selling my house in London?

Yes. UK law requires a valid EPC to be obtained and made available to prospective buyers before a property is marketed for sale. Failure to provide one can result in a £200 fine per property. EPCRATE offers same-day assessments from £59 across London.

How long does an EPC last when selling a property?

A domestic EPC remains valid for 10 years from the date it is issued. If your certificate is still within this period and reflects the current state of the property, it can be reused for the sale.

Can I use an existing EPC when selling my house?

Yes — if the EPC is still valid (within 10 years) and has not been superseded by significant alterations to the property, you can use it for the sale without commissioning a new assessment.

Can I book a same-day EPC appointment in London?

Yes. EPCRATE offers same-day EPC assessments across London subject to assessor availability. Call 020 3488 4142 to check and book. Certificates are lodged within 24 hours of the assessment.

Do flats and apartments need an EPC before being sold?

Yes. The same EPC requirement applies to flats, apartments, maisonettes and leasehold properties. EPCRATE regularly assesses all property types across London, from studio flats to large family homes.