How long is an EPC valid for? - Richard Kendall Estate Agents

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is one of the key documents you’ll need when selling your home. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the duration of your home’s EPC and its importance in the selling process.

What is an EPC?

An EPC provides a rating of your home’s energy efficiency and its environmental impact. The rating ranges from ‘A’ (most efficient) to ‘G’ (least efficient) and includes recommendations for improving energy efficiency. The certificate helps potential buyers understand the energy performance of the property they are considering buying, as this will dictate how much it costs to run said property.

How long is an EPC valid for?

Once your home been issued its EPC rating, it will be valid for 10 years. This means that if you have an EPC rating that was issued within the last decade, you can use it to sell your property without needing a new assessment. However, if your EPC is older than 10 years, you’ll need to commission a new one before you can place your home on the market.

Checking your EPC’s validity

You can refer to the certificate itself to check if your EPC is still valid as it should state the date of issue and the expiry date. Additionally, you can look up your property’s EPC through GOV.uk, where you can download a copy of the certificate and verify its validity.

When should I get a new EPC?

Even though EPCs have a 10-year life-span, there are circumstances when you might consider getting a new one before selling your home:

Renovations – If you have made significant energy efficiency improvements to your home, such as double glazing, installing a new boiler, or insulation, a new EPC could reflect these changes and provide a better rating.
Marketing to buyers – If potential buyers express concern about the current EPC rating, an updated assessment might help reassure them of the property’s efficiency.
Standing out in a busy market – In a competitive market, having an up-to-date EPC with a good rating can make your property stand out from the rest.

Times when EPC's are exempt

Certain properties are exempt from requiring an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) under UK regulations. These include listed buildings or those in conservation areas where energy efficiency improvements would unacceptably alter their character or appearance. Additionally, buildings with a total floor area of under 50 square metres, non-residential agricultural buildings, places of worship, and temporary structures used for less than two years do not require an EPC. Richard Kendall Estate Agent can help clarify whether a specific property falls under any of these exemptions, ensuring compliance with EPC regulations while preserving the unique nature of special properties.

How to get a new EPC

You can obtain an up-to-date EPC rating by contacting any of our local offices, here at Richard Kendall we have qualified Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA). The Energy Performance assessment can be carried out at the same time as the photographs in preparation to listing the property for sale to ensure compliance with legal requirements and to leave some time to make cost-effective improvements.

If you require an EPC on your property telephone us today - We can help!

What Our Customers Say...

I have recently purchased a property through Richard Kendall Estate Agent. The service was excellent from Emily Dunbar. She chased solicitors for me and constantly kept me updated with the progress. Emily is a credit to Richard Kendall's. Thanks Emily for everything. Adele 10/12/2025

Donna and Joanne were superb at helping and supporting me through quite a difficult sale. Communication and follow up was excellent and everything was dealt with in a friendly and professional manner I would certainly recommend Richard Kendall to all my friends and family. Jill 10/12/2025

We have used Richard Kendall for many years so when deciding to sell our loved property due to heath issues this was the company we straight away contacted initially David at the Wakefield Office and then we were luckily put with senior consultant Karen Marijewko. Karen was so thoughtful and kind she knew about our health problems and went out of her way to guide us through the process of selling and buying .She is a senior property consultant and really deserves that title . If we ever have to move again I would definitely ask for Karen and would advise family and friends to do the same. Judith 10/12/2025

I had a great experience with Elizabeth Cooke from Richard Kendall for the sale of my property. She kept me informed throughout the entire process and was always proactive in chasing things up and staying in regular contact. Her communication was clear, consistent, and always reassuring, which made everything feel easier and less stressful. Liz’s professionalism, friendliness, and dedication was outstanding. I’m so grateful for all her hard work in getting my property sold. Would highly recommend her to anyone looking for a friendly, professional, reliable and supportive estate agent Liz 10/12/2025

Really pleased with all the staff, especially Leah, they kept me up to date throughout the whole process of buying our house, it was easy to get hold of them and on the rare occasion I couldn’t they responded back very quickly cracking estate agents. Graham 10/12/2025

We recently sold a relative's home through Richard Kendall and the service was excellent. The team and in particular our main contact Mandy at the Ossett office kept us informed and updated throughout, explaining where we were at every stage of the process. A professional yet personal service and we would recommend Richard Kendall to anyone thinking of buying or selling a home. Nigel 10/12/2025

Would highly recommend Richard Kendall, this was the second time I’ve used them for selling a house. Amber in the Pontefract office dealt with my sale and she was really helpful, friendly, professional and kept me up-to-date with everything going on with the sale and the wider chain. Thank you! Chris 10/12/2025

Amazing service from Catherine and Shireen at the Wakefield City Branch. They have made the process of moving house so smooth and always kept us up to date with any progress. Can't recommend them enough! Gemma 10/12/2025

We were selling my mum and dad’s house and was an emotional time for me and my sister. Sarah at the Normanton branch dealt with the sale from start to finish. I cannot recommend Sarah enough and she is a credit to Richard Kendall. She kept us informed all the way through and answered any questions we had. She was professional and friendly and made what was a sad time selling the family home easier. The sale was quick and seamless due to Sarah. Thank you Richard Kendall’s, I would recommend them to anyone selling their property Claire 10/12/2025

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