What does an EPC rating mean?

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rates a property's energy efficiency on a scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). The certificate also shows the property's potential rating if recommended improvements are made. A higher rating typically means lower energy bills.

When is an EPC required?

An EPC is legally required in England and Wales whenever a property is sold, let, or newly built. The seller or landlord is responsible for obtaining it before the property is marketed. Without a valid EPC, it is not legal to sell or rent a property.

Is an EPC required when selling a house?

Yes. When selling a property in England or Wales, the seller must commission an EPC before the property is put on the market. The estate agent is legally required to include the EPC in all property listings. Failure to provide one can result in a fine.

How long is an EPC valid for?

An EPC is valid for ten years from the date it was issued. If a property already has a valid EPC from within the last ten years, a new one does not need to be commissioned.

How do I improve my EPC rating?

Common improvements include loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, double glazing, and upgrading to a more efficient boiler. Each EPC includes a list of recommended measures and their estimated impact on your rating and energy bills. A better EPC rating can also positively affect your property's value.

How up to date is the EPC data?

We use the most recent EPC record available from the government's public EPC register. The bulk data downloads are updated monthly with a month lag. For example, certificate lodged up to 31 Jan will be uploaded by the end of Feb. Very recently issued certificates may not yet appear. If a property has never had an EPC, it will not show up in this search.

What does a D or E rating mean for a buyer?

A D or E rating is common in older properties and typically means the home uses more energy than a modern equivalent. It is not a deal-breaker, but it is worth understanding what improvements are recommended and what they are likely to cost.

Can I check the EPC for a property I am thinking of buying?

Yes. You can check the EPC for any property that has a registered certificate, whether or not it is currently on the market. This is a useful step during your research, as it gives you an independent view of the property's energy efficiency before you even attend a viewing.

Does a poor EPC affect the mortgage?

Some lenders are starting to factor in energy efficiency when assessing mortgage applications, particularly for buy-to-let properties. For residential purchases, a low rating does not typically block a mortgage, but it can affect future saleability and running costs, both of which lenders may consider as part of their overall assessment.

Free EPC Check

Search the UK EPC register by postcode to view any property's energy rating in seconds.

FreeNo sign up

Land Registry & EPC datasets current up to30 April 2026

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a legal requirement when selling or letting a property in England and Wales. Use this free EPC checker to view a property's current and potential energy rating, issue and expiry dates, and the recommended improvements. No sign up required.

How it works

Enter the postcode into the search box.
Select the property's address from the list.
Review the current and potential energy rating, EPC issue and expiry dates, and recommended improvements.

Understanding EPC ratings (A to G)

Every EPC rates a property on a scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). The higher the band, the lower the energy bills tend to be.

A92+
Most efficient - very low running costs
B81-91
Highly efficient - modern, well-insulated home
C69-80
Above average - typical of newer or upgraded homes
D55-68
Average - most UK homes fall in this band
E39-54
Below average - improvements likely worthwhile
F21-38
Poor - high running costs, several issues to address
G1-20
Very poor - least efficient, expensive to run

What does the EPC check show?

After entering a postcode and selecting an address, you will see the EPC issue date, expiry date, current and potential energy rating, construction type, and energy efficiency details for individual elements such as walls, roof, and windows.

Checking if a property has a valid EPC

When selling or letting a property, you need to make sure a valid EPC is in place — one issued within the last ten years. You can use this service to search the EPC register for any UK address and confirm whether a valid certificate exists.