Understanding Residential EPC Certificates Before Marketing Your Property in 2026

Before you advertise a home for sale or rent in the UK, you must legally obtain a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). In 2026, enforcement is stricter than ever, and estate agents are no longer allowed to list a property without a registered certificate.

An EPC shows how energy-efficient a property is and helps buyers and tenants understand running costs before they commit.

What Is a Residential EPC?

A Domestic EPC is an official document produced by an accredited assessor after inspecting your property.
It provides an energy rating from A (very efficient) to G (inefficient).

The certificate includes:

• Estimated yearly energy costs

• Carbon dioxide emissions

• Heating efficiency

• Insulation performance

• Recommended improvements

• Potential future rating after upgrades

You can learn more about professional assessors here:
👉 https://epcrate.co.uk/about-us-epc-company-london/

Why You Must Have an EPC Before Marketing

In 2026, the law requires an EPC before advertising — not after finding a buyer.

You need an EPC if you:

• Sell a property

• Rent a property

• Renew a tenancy

• Convert a property into flats

• Lease part of a building

Estate agents must display the EPC rating in listings and brochures.
Without it, the property cannot legally be marketed.

Book quickly:
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Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES)

For rental properties, the minimum rating requirement applies:

Property must be rated E or above

If the rating is F or G:

• The property cannot legally be rented

• Improvement work is required

• Fines may be issued

Get compliance help:
👉 https://epcrate.co.uk/contact-us-epc-services-london/

What Happens During an EPC Assessment?

An assessor visits the property and records construction and energy features.

They inspect:

• Heating system & thermostat controls

• Boiler type and efficiency

• Loft and wall insulation

• Windows & glazing

• Lighting efficiency

• Hot water system

• Property size & layout

Typical duration:

30–40 minutes for houses and flats

Schedule an inspection:
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How Long the Certificate Lasts

A Domestic EPC is valid for 10 years unless:

• The property is significantly renovated

• It is subdivided into multiple dwellings

• Major energy upgrades are installed (you may want a new rating)

You can also retrieve certificates from the national EPC register if one already exists.

How EPC Affects Property Value

In 2026, EPC ratings directly influence:

Better ratings now attract buyers due to rising energy bills and mortgage efficiency requirements.

Typical Cost of a Domestic EPC

Prices depend on property size and location.

Average starting price:

From £34.99

See full pricing:
👉 https://epcrate.co.uk/pricing/

How to Prepare Before the Assessor Arrives

You can improve the rating instantly by:

• Providing insulation records

• Ensuring loft access

• Showing boiler service documents

• Installing LED bulbs

• Setting heating controls correctly

Preparation often increases the final score by one band.

Do You Need a New EPC Every Time You Sell?

Not always.

You can reuse the same EPC if:

• It is less than 10 years old

• The property has not changed structurally

However, a new certificate may improve the rating and attract better offers.

Book Your Domestic EPC Today

✔ Accredited assessors
✔ 24-hour turnaround
✔ Legally compliant certificates
✔ Transparent pricing

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Office: 150–160 City Road, London, EC1V 2NX
Phone: 020 3488 4142
Email: info@epcrate.co.uk