Search by postcode to see the EPC rating, expiry date and potential rating, plus practical buyer guidance on bills, upgrades and viewing checks.
Use this free EPC checker to find an Energy Performance Certificate for any house or flat in England and Wales. You can check the property's current rating, potential rating, certificate expiry date, construction clues and heating details, then turn them into practical buyer questions before you view or offer.
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.
Search by postcode and select an address to see the current EPC rating, potential EPC rating, issue date, expiry date, property age band, and wall, roof, window and heating details from the certificate. HomeScoper adds plain-English buyer context so the rating is easier to use before a viewing or offer.
A valid EPC is normally one issued within the last 10 years. Use this EPC checker to confirm whether a public certificate exists, when it expires, and whether the current rating shown in a listing matches the latest available record.
A poor EPC can mean higher bills and a less comfortable home. Older heating systems, weak wall insulation, limited roof insulation and single glazing can all affect day-to-day running costs, especially in winter.
An EPC lasts for 10 years from the date it was issued. If the property already has a valid certificate, the same EPC can usually be used for a sale or rental listing until it expires. A newer EPC may still be worth getting if major work has been completed, such as new insulation, double glazing, solar panels, or a heating upgrade, because the current rating may no longer reflect the property's condition.
Yes. In England and Wales, a seller normally needs to have commissioned an EPC before the property is marketed for sale. Estate agents are expected to include EPC information in property listings where it is available. If a valid EPC already exists and is less than 10 years old, a new one is not usually required just because the property is being sold again.
EPC ratings run from A to G, with A being the most energy efficient. For many UK homes, a C rating is a good practical benchmark because it suggests the property is reasonably efficient by current standards. A or B ratings are stronger, but less common in older homes. Buyers should also look at the potential rating, because it shows the rating the certificate says the property could reach.
An EPC rating of D is not unusual, especially for older houses and flats. It does not automatically make a property a bad buy, but it can point to higher heating bills, weaker insulation, or an older heating system. Two D-rated homes can still be very different, so check the wall, roof, window and heating descriptions shown on the certificate.
For a standard residential purchase, a poor EPC rating does not usually stop a mortgage on its own. However, it can still affect affordability and future resale because inefficient homes often cost more to heat and may need improvement work. Buy-to-let buyers should be more cautious, because rental rules and lender criteria can place more weight on minimum energy standards. A low rating is a signal to check likely upgrade costs before committing.
Common ways to improve an EPC rating include loft insulation, cavity wall insulation where suitable, low-energy lighting, heating controls, and replacing an old boiler with a more efficient system. More expensive work can include solid wall insulation, new windows, solar panels, or heat pumps. The right option depends on the property's construction, heating system and current certificate details.
Yes. Enter the postcode and select the address to check the property's EPC rating, certificate dates and potential rating. A postcode search is useful when you do not have the certificate number and simply want to find the EPC for a house or flat you are buying, selling, renting, or researching.
If no EPC is found, the property may not have a current public certificate, the address may be recorded differently, or the certificate may be very recent and not yet present in the public data. Some properties are exempt, but most homes being sold or rented in England and Wales need an EPC unless a specific exemption applies. Ask the seller, landlord, or agent to confirm the position.
An Energy Performance Certificate rates a property's energy efficiency from A to G. A is the most efficient and G is the least efficient. The certificate also shows a potential rating. For buyers, the EPC is useful because it highlights likely running costs and points to parts of the home that may need attention, such as insulation, windows, or heating.