Buying guide: EPC

How Long Does an EPC Last? Validity, Expiry & When You Need a New One

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Quick answer

An EPC is valid for 10 years across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Once issued, it stays valid for a full decade even if you sell or re-let during that time, so you don't need a new one until it expires, or until you market a property for sale or rent with an expired certificate. You can check any property's EPC and its expiry date free on the government register.

How long is an EPC valid for?

An Energy Performance Certificate lasts 10 years from the date it's issued. During that decade it remains valid for multiple transactions: you can sell or let the property more than once on the same EPC, provided it hasn't expired. After 10 years it lapses and a new assessment is needed when you next market the property.

How do I check when my EPC expires?

Look up the property on the government register. The certificate shows both the issue date and the expiry date. You can do this free with our EPC checker or on the EPC certificate register, which pull from the official EPC data for England & Wales. If no certificate shows, the property may never have had one, or an older one may have expired.

When do you need a new EPC?

SituationNew EPC needed?
Selling or letting with a valid EPC (under 10 years old)No, the existing one is fine
EPC is over 10 years old and you're marketing the propertyYes, commission a new one
You've made major energy improvements and want a better ratingOptional: a new EPC can reflect the upgrade
Living in the home, not selling or lettingNo, an EPC isn't required just to live there
Meeting landlord minimum energy (MEES) rulesGet a current EPC to confirm the rating

Should you rely on an old EPC when buying?

An EPC can be up to 10 years old, so a certificate near the end of its life may not reflect recent works, or may recommend improvements already done (or still outstanding). When buying, treat the EPC as a guide to energy performance and running costs, and one of many checks rather than the whole picture. See what a certificate does and doesn't reveal in is there an official gov EPC checker?

The EPC is one check; the report runs 15+ before you buy

An EPC tells you about energy performance, but nothing about flood risk, planning, the lease, ground stability or crime. HouseCheckup runs 15+ checks on the exact address from official sources, with the EPC as one of them. £24.99 (Complete), one-off.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does an EPC last?
An EPC is valid for 10 years from its issue date across the UK. It remains valid for multiple sales or lettings during that period, so you don't need a new one until it expires, or until you market a property for sale or rent with a certificate that's already expired.
Do I need a new EPC every time I sell or rent?
No. If the existing EPC is still within its 10-year validity, you can use it for the sale or letting without commissioning a new one. You only need a fresh EPC if the current certificate has expired, or if you want to reflect energy improvements that would improve the rating.
How do I check if a property has a valid EPC?
Search the property on the government EPC register, or use our EPC checker, to see the certificate's issue and expiry dates. If it's less than 10 years old, it's still valid; if it's older, a new assessment is needed before the property is next marketed.
Does an EPC expire if I keep living in my home?
An EPC still lapses 10 years after it was issued, but you don't need one simply to live in your own home. An EPC is only legally required when you sell or let a property. If you're staying put, an expired EPC has no practical consequence until you come to market the home.

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