Question 1

What is an EPC and do I actually need one?

Accepted Answer

An Energy Performance Certificate rates your property's energy efficiency from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). You legally need one when selling or renting a property — without it, you can't market the property. They're also useful if you're planning improvements and want to see where your home stands before and after.

Question 2

How long does an EPC last?

Accepted Answer

An EPC is valid for 10 years from the date of issue. You can check whether your property already has a valid EPC on the Government's EPC Register — it's free to search. If your property has been significantly improved since the last assessment, it's worth getting a new one to reflect those changes.

Question 3

Can I use an existing EPC or do I need a new one?

Accepted Answer

If your property has a valid EPC (issued within the last 10 years) and nothing significant has changed, you can use it. Check the Government register at gov.uk/find-energy-certificate. If you've had a new boiler, insulation, or other improvements since the last assessment, a new EPC will reflect those and may give you a better rating.

Question 4

Where do I find my EPC once it's been lodged?

Accepted Answer

Your EPC is lodged on the Government's national register within 24 hours of your survey. To find it, go to gov.uk/find-energy-certificate, select Domestic, type in your postcode, and scroll to your property. You don't need to wait for anything to be emailed — it's publicly accessible as soon as it's lodged.

Question 5

What EPC rating do I need to sell my home?

Accepted Answer

There's no minimum rating required to sell a home — you just need a valid EPC in place before you market the property. However, a better rating can make your home more attractive to buyers, particularly those looking at running costs or green mortgage eligibility.

Question 6

Does a new boiler improve my EPC rating?

Accepted Answer

It can, yes — especially if you're replacing an old G-rated boiler with a modern A-rated condensing boiler. The improvement depends on your current heating system and the rest of the property's insulation. In many cases, a new boiler alone can move a property from an E to a D, or a D to a C.

Question 7

What's the single best thing I can do to improve my EPC rating?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your property, but loft insulation is usually the most cost-effective improvement if you don't already have it — it's relatively cheap to install and has a significant impact on your rating. After that, cavity wall insulation and upgrading your boiler tend to give the biggest gains. I'll always tell you what the EPC recommends when I carry out your survey.

Question 8

Can I install solar before getting an EPC?

Accepted Answer

Yes — but your EPC will be assessed on the property as it stands at the time of the survey. If solar is installed and commissioned, it will be included and will improve your rating. If it's not yet operational, it won't count. I'd recommend booking the EPC after installation for the best result.

Question 9

Will adding loft insulation definitely improve my rating?

Accepted Answer

Almost certainly, yes — if you don't already have adequate loft insulation. The EPC methodology gives significant weight to heat loss through the roof. Even going from no insulation to 100mm can make a meaningful difference. Going to the recommended 270mm will have the greatest impact.

Question 10

Do I need an EPC before listing my property?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You must have a valid EPC in place before you can market a property for sale or rent. Estate agents are required to include the EPC rating in any listing. I can usually carry out the survey and have the certificate lodged within 24 hours, so it won't hold up your sale.

Question 11

Can a poor EPC rating affect my sale price?

Accepted Answer

It can. Buyers are increasingly aware of running costs, and a low EPC rating signals higher energy bills. Some buyers will factor this into their offer. That said, many older Shropshire properties sit at D or E and still sell well — it's rarely a dealbreaker, but a better rating never hurts.

Question 12

What is a green mortgage and how does my EPC affect it?

Accepted Answer

Green mortgages are offered by many lenders to properties with an EPC rating of A or B. They typically come with a lower interest rate as an incentive for energy-efficient homes. If your property is close to a B rating, it may be worth making a few improvements before your survey to unlock better mortgage terms — the savings can be significant over a 25-year term.

Question 13

What EPC rating do I need to legally rent out my property?

Accepted Answer

As of the current regulations, rental properties in England must have a minimum EPC rating of E. Properties rated F or G cannot legally be let unless a valid exemption has been registered. The Government has proposed raising this to C for new tenancies, though the timeline has been subject to change — it's worth keeping an eye on updates.

Question 14

My rental property is an F or G — what are my options?

Accepted Answer

You'll need to either improve the property to at least an E rating, or register a valid exemption on the PRS Exemptions Register. Common exemptions include situations where improvements would cost more than £3,500 or where planning restrictions prevent them. I'd recommend getting a current EPC first so you know exactly where you stand and what improvements would make the most difference.

Question 15

Do I need a new EPC every time I get a new tenant?

Accepted Answer

No — as long as your existing EPC is still valid (within 10 years of issue), you don't need a new one for each tenancy. You do need to provide a copy of the EPC to new tenants at the start of their tenancy. If your EPC has expired or you've made improvements, it's a good time to get a fresh one.

Question 16

Can I get EPCs for multiple properties in one visit?

Accepted Answer

If your properties are close together — for example, a terrace or a block of flats — I can often schedule them back to back on the same day, which saves on travel time and keeps costs down. Get in touch and I'll work out the most efficient way to cover them.

Question 17

What happens during an EPC survey?

Accepted Answer

I'll visit your property and assess the key features that affect energy efficiency — the construction type, insulation levels, heating system, windows, and lighting. I'll measure each room and note the property's age and construction. The whole thing typically takes 30–60 minutes depending on the size of the property. You don't need to do anything special to prepare.

Question 18

Do I need to be home for the EPC survey?

Accepted Answer

Someone does need to be present to give access to all rooms, including the loft if accessible. It doesn't have to be the owner — a tenant or letting agent can let me in. I just need to be able to see all areas of the property, including any outbuildings that are heated.

Question 19

Do I need to tidy up before the survey?

Accepted Answer

Not at all. I'm assessing the building fabric and systems, not the décor. I just need to be able to access all rooms and the loft hatch. If the loft is boarded and you're not sure about access, let me know beforehand and I'll bring the right equipment.

Question 20

How long does the survey take?

Accepted Answer

Most domestic properties take between 30 and 60 minutes. A studio flat might be done in 20 minutes; a large 5-bedroom detached could take up to 90 minutes. I'll always give you a realistic time estimate when you book.

Question 21

How much does an EPC cost in Shropshire?

Accepted Answer

Prices start from £60 for a bedsit or studio in the SY1, SY2, or SY3 postcode areas. The price increases with the number of bedrooms and varies slightly by postcode area due to travel. Use the price calculator on the homepage or the Prices page for an instant quote for your property.

Question 22

Why do EPC prices vary by postcode?

Accepted Answer

The core price covers properties in the Shrewsbury area (SY1–SY3). For properties further afield — such as Ludlow, Oswestry, or Market Drayton — a small travel supplement applies to cover the additional journey time. I keep these as low as possible and they're always shown upfront before you book.

Question 23

Can I add a floor plan to my EPC survey?

Accepted Answer

Yes — and it's the most cost-effective way to get one. Adding a floor plan to your EPC survey starts from just £40, because I'm already measuring every room for the EPC. A standalone floor plan visit starts from £70. If you think you might need one, it's always worth combining both in a single appointment.

Question 24

Is there a call-out charge if I need to cancel?

Accepted Answer

I ask for reasonable notice if you need to cancel or rearrange — ideally 24 hours. If I've already travelled to the property and can't gain access, a call-out charge may apply. I'll always be upfront about this when you book.

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