Since October 2008, all dwellings put onto the market for sale or to let require an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). The EPC must be produced before the dwelling can be marketed and included on the letting particulars to enable a prospective occupant to be able to estimate their annual energy spend.

An EPC tells the potential tenant or homeowner how energy efficient a property is, and lasts for 10 years (provided that there are no changes to the property that could affect the rating).

With rising energy prices increasing the cost of living, prospective tenants and homeowners can use this information as an indication of how high their gas and electricity bills will be. This efficiency will be rated on a scale from A to E, with the most energy efficient home achieving an ‘A’ rating. An EPC will also advise on the impact the property has on the environment and provide recommendations on how to make the property more energy efficient.

Example of an EPC: