What is an EPC?
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a certificate which confirms the energy efficiency of a property. It’s similar to the EPC that you may have seen on a new domestic appliance, a new car or even a flat for rent. Since October 2008, the requirement in Scotland is for there to be an EPC produced and available on the construction, sale or rent of residential properties and commercial buildings that contain fixed services that condition their interior environment.
Letting, Renting, Selling And EPC?
If you are selling or letting your property in its entirety, pursuant to Article 7 of the Energy Performance of Buildings (Certificates and Inspections) Regulations, you will need an EPC for the whole building, but, if that building has parts designed or altered to be used separately, then individual EPCs are also acceptable (assuming the heating systems are also separate), although an EPC for the communal area will also be required.
EPC energy assessors will survey the features of a property in order to assess its energy efficiency: what the property is constructed with, which heating systems are in place, as well as the cooling and ventilation and even the lighting systems.
It’s not a building survey so it won’t comment on condition and doesn’t detail how the systems are used, however, the EPC can recommend improvements to make a building more efficient. If you carry out these recommendations, especially with legislation and Scottish government policy looking towards the promotion of greener energy, it is extremely likely that your property’s value will increase, whether it be in terms of rent or sale price. Based on the improvements made, it may also be worth renewing the EPC to show this.
- Scotland Commercial EPCs
- Scotland Domestic EPCs
- Local Surveyors
Whats The Benefit Of An EPC?
As well as the many benefits of having your property assessed and an EPC prepared, ‘EPC For You’ can also help you avoid the legal repercussions which, without an EPC, could lead to the Local Authority Building Control department seeking enforcement action against you as well as risking a fine of between £500 and £5,000.
- Landlords
- Property Agents
- Housing Associations
- Business Owners