Let’s keep this really simple.
Domestic / Residential
You need a valid EPC to sell or rent a property.
Rental properties currently have to be Band E on an EPC rating, there’s no minimum for selling (unless a valid exemption has been registered). There’s no minimum for selling.
Commercial
You need a valid EPC to sell or rent a property.
Both new and existing leases will require of a minimum EPC rating of E from 1 April 2023 (unless a valid exemption has been registered). There’s no minimum for selling. Prior to this, it’s just existing.
Exclusions
You don’t need an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) if you can demonstrate that the building is any of these:
- listed or officially protected and the minimum energy performance requirements would unacceptably alter it
- a temporary building only going to be used for 2 years or less
- used as a place of worship or for other religious activities
- an industrial site, workshop or non-residential agricultural building that doesn’t use much energy
- a detached building with a total floor space under 50 square metres
- due to be demolished by the seller or landlord and they have all the relevant planning and conservation consents
A building is also exempt if all of the following are true:
- it’s due to be sold or rented out with vacant possession
- it’s suitable for demolition and the site could be redeveloped
- the buyer or tenant has applied for planning permission to demolish it
Domestic private rented property – if you cannot improve your property to EPC E for £3,500 or less, you should make all the improvements which can be made up to that amount, then register an ‘all improvements made’ exemption.