Energy Performance Certificates apply to both homes and business premises — but the certificate, the methodology and the assessor qualification behind each one are different.

If you own, manage or are buying a property in London, knowing whether you need a domestic or commercial EPC helps you book the right assessment first time and avoid delays.

Founded in 2015 by Jino Jose, EPCRATE provides domestic EPC assessments across London, with commercial assessments carried out by accredited Non-Domestic Energy Assessors (NDEA). Call 020 3488 4142 to book either service.

What Is a Domestic EPC?

A domestic EPC applies to residential dwellings — houses, flats, apartments and maisonettes.

It is produced by an accredited Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA) using the approved residential assessment methodology, and rates the property from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient).

Domestic EPCs are commonly required when a home is:

  • Marketed for sale.
  • Marketed for rent.
  • Newly built or converted.

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

What Is a Commercial EPC?

A commercial EPC (also called a non-domestic EPC) applies to business premises such as:

  • Offices.
  • Retail units and shops.
  • Restaurants and cafes.
  • Warehouses and industrial units.
  • Mixed-use commercial buildings.

It is produced by an accredited Non-Domestic Energy Assessor (NDEA) using a different approved methodology designed for non-domestic buildings, and is commonly required when premises are built, sold or let.

EPCRATE provides commercial EPC services across London from £180, depending on the size and complexity of the building.

Key Differences at a Glance

Domestic EPC Commercial EPC
Applies to Houses, flats, apartments Offices, retail, industrial, hospitality
Assessor Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA) Non-Domestic Energy Assessor (NDEA)
Methodology Approved residential methodology Approved non-domestic methodology
Typical validity 10 years 10 years
EPCRATE pricing From £59 From £180

What About Mixed-Use Buildings?

London has many mixed-use buildings — a shop with a flat above is the classic example.

In many cases, the residential and commercial parts are assessed separately: a domestic EPC for the self-contained flat and a commercial EPC for the business premises.

The right approach depends on how the building is arranged and how each part is used. If you are unsure, EPCRATE can advise before booking.

Do Rental Rules Apply to Both?

Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) affect both domestic and non-domestic rented property in England and Wales, with requirements that depend on the property type, tenancy and current regulations.

Landlords of either property type should verify the current position against official government guidance, and properties at the lower end of the scale should review our poor EPC rating guide. For residential landlords, our EPC restrictions for landlords guide covers the key points.

Which One Do You Need?

As a general rule:

  • Selling or letting a home — domestic EPC.
  • Selling or letting business premises — commercial EPC.
  • Shop with a separate flat above — often one of each.
  • Not sure? — call 020 3488 4142 and we will confirm before you book.

Why Choose EPCRATE?

  • Founded in 2015 by Jino Jose.
  • DEA Accredited.
  • ★★★★★ Trustpilot Reviews.
  • ★★★★★ Google Reviews.
  • Same-day appointments available where possible.
  • Coverage across all 32 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a domestic and commercial EPC?

A domestic EPC applies to residential dwellings and is produced by a Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA). A commercial EPC applies to non-domestic premises and is produced by a Non-Domestic Energy Assessor (NDEA) using a different methodology.

How much does a commercial EPC cost?

EPCRATE commercial EPCs start from £180, depending on the size and complexity of the building. Domestic EPCs start from £59. Call 020 3488 4142 for a quote.

Which EPC does a mixed-use building need?

Mixed-use buildings often require separate certificates for the residential and commercial parts. The right approach depends on how the building is arranged — call EPCRATE on 020 3488 4142 for advice.

How long are domestic and commercial EPCs valid?

Both domestic and commercial EPCs generally remain valid for 10 years from the date of issue, unless circumstances require a new assessment.

Does EPCRATE provide both domestic and commercial EPCs?

Yes. EPCRATE provides domestic EPCs through DEA-accredited assessment and commercial EPCs through accredited NDEA assessors, covering all 32 London boroughs.

Need a domestic or commercial EPC in London? Call EPCRATE on 020 3488 4142 — same-day appointments available where possible.

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



Written by Jino Jose

DEA & NDEA Accredited Energy Assessor  ·  EPCRATE, London  ·  Founded 2015

Jino Jose is the founder of EPCRATE and one of the few London assessors holding both Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA) and Non-Domestic Energy Assessor (NDEA) accreditations. He has carried out thousands of EPC assessments across all 32 London boroughs since 2015.

✓ DEA Accredited ✓ NDEA Accredited ⭐ Trustpilot 5.0

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