If you own a property in London, one of the most common questions you may ask is: how long does an EPC last? Whether you are a homeowner, landlord, estate agent or property investor, understanding EPC validity periods can help you avoid delays when selling, renting, remortgaging or managing your property.
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An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is an important document that provides information about the energy efficiency of a building. Many property owners only think about their EPC when they need it urgently, but knowing when a certificate expires can help you plan ahead and remain compliant with current requirements.
Founded in 2015 by Jino Jose, EPCRATE has helped homeowners, landlords and property professionals across London obtain fast and professional EPC assessments, with same-day appointments available where possible. Call 020 3488 4142 to book.
How Long Is an EPC Valid For?
A domestic EPC generally remains valid for 10 years from the date it is issued.
During this period, the certificate can often continue to be used when selling or letting the property, provided it has not expired and no specific circumstances require an updated assessment.
The issue date and expiry date can usually be found on the certificate itself or by searching the official government EPC register.
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 includes:
- Current energy efficiency rating.
- Potential future rating.
- Estimated energy performance information.
- Carbon emissions data.
- Recommendations that may improve efficiency.
The assessment is carried out using approved methodologies and reflects the information available at the time of inspection.
Can You Use an Existing EPC?
In many cases, yes.
If your EPC is still valid, it can often continue to be used when:
- Selling a property.
- Letting a property.
- Renewing tenancy arrangements where appropriate.
- Providing property information to buyers or tenants.
Before booking a new EPC, it is often worth checking whether a valid certificate already exists.
When Should You Get a New EPC?
Although EPCs generally remain valid for 10 years, there are situations where property owners choose to commission a new assessment before the existing certificate expires.
This may include:
- Major energy efficiency improvements.
- Installation of a new heating system.
- Insulation upgrades.
- Window replacements.
- Significant renovation works.
- Property extensions or alterations.
If improvements have been completed, a new EPC may provide a more up-to-date reflection of the property’s energy performance.
However, improvements do not guarantee a specific EPC rating. The final result depends on the property, available evidence and approved assessment methodology.
How Long Does an EPC Last for Landlords?
For landlords, the general validity period remains the same. A domestic EPC generally remains valid for 10 years from the date it is issued.
Landlords should ensure they have a valid EPC available where required and should review current government guidance regarding Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES), exemptions and rental property obligations. See our landlord licensing and MEES guide for more detail on obligations across London boroughs.
Where exemptions apply, eligibility depends on specific qualifying criteria and supporting evidence may be required.
How Long Does an EPC Last When Selling a Property?
If you are selling a house, flat or apartment, an existing EPC can often continue to be used if it remains valid. For a full breakdown of what is required before going to market, see our guide: Do I Need an EPC Before Selling My House in London?
Estate agents will commonly ask whether a valid EPC is available before marketing begins.
If the certificate has expired, a new EPC will usually be required before marketing the property.
Many sellers arrange their EPC at the same time as floor plans, photography and marketing materials. EPCRATE’s EPC + Floor Plan Bundle at £118 covers both in a single visit — saving £20 versus booking separately.
How Long Does an EPC Last for Flats and Apartments?
The same general validity period applies to flats, apartments and maisonettes.
Whether you own:
- A leasehold flat.
- A purpose-built apartment.
- A converted Victorian property.
- A modern city apartment.
A domestic EPC generally remains valid for 10 years from the date it is issued.
Across London, EPCRATE regularly assesses flats and apartments in Canary Wharf, Stratford, Greenwich, Wimbledon, Camden, Islington and the City of London.
How Can You Check If Your EPC Has Expired?
The easiest way to check an EPC is through the official government EPC register.
You can usually search using:
- Property address.
- Postcode.
- Certificate reference number.
The register will show whether a certificate exists and when it is due to expire.
What Happens During an EPC Assessment?
The assessment process is straightforward and non-invasive.
During the inspection, the assessor records information relating to:
- Property dimensions.
- Wall construction.
- Roof construction.
- Heating systems and controls.
- Hot water systems.
- Glazing.
- Fixed lighting.
- Insulation where supporting evidence is available.
Supporting documentation such as insulation certificates, FENSA certificates and Building Control records may help qualifying features be recognised appropriately. EPCRATE typically lodges the certificate on the national register within 24 hours of the assessment.
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
How long does an EPC last?
A domestic EPC generally remains valid for 10 years from the date it is issued. You can check your certificate’s expiry date at gov.uk/find-energy-certificate.
Can I use an EPC that is several years old?
Yes, provided it remains valid and has not reached its expiry date. If the certificate is still within the 10-year validity period, it can often continue to be used.
Do landlords need to renew an EPC every year?
No. Domestic EPCs generally remain valid for 10 years, although landlords should always review current MEES requirements and obligations relating to their property. Call EPCRATE on 020 3488 4142 for advice.
Can I get a new EPC before the old one expires?
Yes. Property owners may choose to commission a new EPC at any time, particularly after significant improvement works such as a new boiler, insulation or window upgrades.
Can I book a same-day EPC appointment in London?
Same-day appointments may be available depending on assessor availability and location. Call EPCRATE on 020 3488 4142 to check availability and book.
Managing multiple properties? Contact EPCRATE on 020 3488 4142 for bulk EPC discounts available to landlords, estate agents, letting agents and property management companies across London.
| 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.
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