What is an EPC certificate?
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a report of how energy efficient or otherwise a building is, rating it on a scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). It outlines a property’s energy usage and average charges for heating and powering the home, carbon emissions and cost-effective recommendations for increasing energy efficiency.
In the UK, an EPC is a legal requirement if you’re selling or renting out a place, and you need it before the property goes on the market. It remains valid for 10 years from the date of issue. There’s a fixed penalty fine of £200 if you don’t have one. The idea is that prospective tenants or buyers gain a good understanding of running expenses. Potential tenants and purchasers can also compare different places’ energy efficiency easily.
Meanwhile, EPCs help landlords appreciate what they need to do to comply with minimum standards. And if you make any of the recommendations your EPC has suggested, you might want to get a new certificate reflecting this.
An EPC, by the way, should not be confused with an energy rating, which is the multi-coloured label you’ll see on new domestic appliances.
Only an approved domestic energy assessor can produce an EPC in England and Wales. Look on the Gov.UK website or ask your estate agent if they can recommend someone to do your EPC for you.
How much does it cost?
According to the website Checkatrade, an EPC typically costs between £65 and £120 (as of November 2025). The exact charge will vary according to the kind of property involved, its size and how many bedrooms it has.
As with anything else, it may be worth getting and comparing various quotes before you decide on an assessor.
Changes ahead for EPCs in 2026
From late 2026, the EPC system is changing. Here’s how:
- Assessment will be more detailed and will look at how well the property retains heat, for example via windows and insulation. The use of smart meters and solar panels will be taken into account, while heating efficiency will also be assessed, with heat pumps yielding a higher score than gas boilers.
- For landlords, things are changing, too. From now until late 2026, rental properties must have a minimum of an E rating on their EPC. After late 2026, properties will be assessed with the new metrics described above. By 2028, all new tenancies have to meet the new standard of C or higher, with full compliance in place by 2030 for all tenancies.
So if you rent out a place, it’s a good idea to start planning your upgrades now, whether that’s a more efficient heating system, LED lighting, double glazing or loft insulation. You may also want to get a pre-assessment ahead of your EPC evaluation.
If you’re selling or renting out, a high EPC rating is always a bonus. Landlords tend to attract better tenants who stay longer and may even be happy to pay higher rents as a result. Equally, you should see fewer void periods.
EPC certificates in Salisbury
The age of a property is the single biggest factor affecting a place’s EPC rating, with older properties tending to have lower ratings such as D or E, while for newer houses it’s easier to achieve an A or B rating. This is mainly due to outdated construction methods and less stringent building methods at the time of completion.
In Salisbury, specifically, there are a disproportionate number of older, historic homes compared to England’s national average. Plus there’s a high concentration of protected structures and conservation areas, including the Cathedral Close.
At Carter & May, the leading, award-winning independent Salisbury estate agents, we know the city and its surrounding areas well, and so are ideally placed to advise on EPCs and how to enhance your property’s rating. We can also discuss the proposed changes to the system, and how best to prepare for them in the months ahead.
Talk to us whether you’re buying, selling or letting in Salisbury itself, or neighbouring areas such as Amesbury, Ringwood, the New Forest, Alderholt, Wilton or Durrington. Our service is tailored to suit individual needs, plus we have the local knowledge, experience and tech for you to enjoy a stress-free property transaction.
Get in touch today and we’ll take it from there.