Conveyancing in Somerset

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a crucial document for anyone selling a property in England and Wales. This guide will explore the importance of EPCs, their legal requirements, and what property sellers need to know.

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What is an Energy Performance Certificate?

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An EPC provides information about a property's energy use, typical energy costs, and recommendations for improving energy efficiency. It gives a property an energy efficiency rating from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient) and is valid for 10 years.

Legal Requirements for Sellers

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1. Mandatory for property sales: It is a legal requirement to have a valid EPC when selling a property in England and Wales.

2. Timing: The EPC must be commissioned before the property is put on the market.

3. Availability: Sellers must make the EPC available free of charge to prospective buyers at the earliest opportunity.

4. Advertising: The EPC rating must be included in any advertisements for the property sale in commercial media.

 

Obtaining an EPC

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To get an EPC:

1. Accredited assessor: You must hire an accredited domestic energy assessor (DEA) to produce the certificate.

2. Cost: Sellers are responsible for paying for the EPC.

3. Timeframe: All reasonable efforts must be made to secure the EPC within seven days of the property being put on the market. If not possible, it must be obtained within the following 21 days.

 

Exceptions

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Some properties may be exempt from EPC requirements, including:

• Listed buildings (seek advice from local authority conservation officer)

• Places of worship

• Temporary buildings used for less than 2 years

• Stand-alone buildings with less than 50 square meters of useful floor space

 

Importance of EPCs

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1. Legal compliance: Failure to provide an EPC can result in fines of up to £5,000.

2. Buyer information: EPCs help potential buyers understand the energy efficiency of the property and potential energy costs.

3. Property value: A good EPC rating can potentially increase the value and marketability of your property.

 

Future Considerations

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While there is currently no minimum EPC rating required for property sales, it's worth noting that rental properties will need to achieve a minimum rating of C by 2025 for new tenancies and by 2028 for existing tenancies. This trend towards higher energy efficiency standards may influence future property values and sales.

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