EPC Before Marketing a Property: What Sellers Need to Know
If you are preparing a property for sale or rent, one of the first things to check is whether you have a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).
An EPC gives buyers and tenants information about a property’s energy efficiency and provides an energy rating from A to G.
More importantly, an EPC needs to be dealt with before you start marketing the property, subject to the rules and exemptions that apply to your property.
This guide explains what sellers, landlords and property owners should check before their property listing goes live.
Do You Need an EPC Before Marketing?
For most properties in England and Wales, an EPC is required when a property is sold or rented.
GOV.UK states that you must order an EPC for potential buyers or tenants before you market the property. An EPC is generally valid for 10 years.
This means checking your EPC should be part of your property preparation rather than something to leave until after your listing has already been created.
If you already have an EPC, you can check whether it is still valid using the official GOV.UK Find an Energy Certificate service.
What Does “Before Marketing” Mean?
Marketing can include preparing your property for sale or rent and advertising it to potential buyers or tenants.
For sellers and landlords, the practical approach is simple:
- Check whether your property already has a valid EPC.
- If there is no valid EPC, arrange one.
- Make sure the EPC has been commissioned before marketing.
- Prepare your other property marketing materials.
- Give the relevant EPC information to your estate or letting agent.
Government guidance states that where there is no valid EPC, one must be commissioned before the property is put on the market.
What If You Already Have an EPC?
You may not need a new EPC just because you are selling or renting the property.
An EPC is generally valid for 10 years and can be reused during that period.
Before booking another assessment, check your existing certificate.
This can save you from arranging and paying for an unnecessary assessment.
If you cannot find your certificate, use the official GOV.UK EPC search.
What If Your EPC Has Expired?
If your EPC has expired and your property requires one, you will need to arrange a new certificate before preparing the property for marketing.
This is particularly important if you are working with an estate agent and already have a planned listing date.
Leaving the EPC until the last minute could create an unnecessary delay.
If you need a new certificate quickly, you can explore our Same Day EPC service in London.
What Information Does an EPC Provide?
An EPC provides information about the energy performance of a property.
It includes an energy efficiency rating from A to G, with A representing the highest efficiency rating.
The certificate also includes recommendations for potential energy-efficiency improvements.
These recommendations can help property owners understand areas where the property’s energy performance could potentially be improved.
However, the EPC rating should not be treated as a guarantee of actual household energy bills. Actual energy use depends on factors such as how the property is occupied and used.
Should You Improve the Property Before Getting an EPC?
There is no single improvement plan that applies to every property.
The right approach depends on the property’s current condition, construction, heating system and existing energy-efficiency measures.
Possible areas to consider include:
- Loft insulation
- Wall insulation
- Heating systems
- Heating controls
- Double glazing
- Energy-efficient lighting
- Hot-water systems
If you are considering improvements, it can be useful to understand the property’s current EPC position first.
You can also read our guide:
How to Improve Your EPC Rating From D to C in London.
EPC Before Photography and Property Marketing
An EPC is only one part of preparing a property for the market.
A complete property listing may also require:
- Professional property photography
- A property floor plan
- Property description
- EPC information
- Asking price
- Other relevant property information
Professional photography shows potential buyers or tenants what the property looks like.
A floor plan provides information about the layout.
The EPC provides information about energy efficiency.
Urgent EPC provides all three services, including professional property photography, property floor plans and EPC services.
For more information about combining these services, see:
Property Marketing Package London: EPC, Photography & Floor Plans.
Should You Arrange Your EPC Before Your Estate Agent?
It can be useful to check your EPC before your estate agent prepares the final marketing materials.
This gives you an opportunity to:
- Check whether your EPC is valid
- Find the certificate if you already have one
- Arrange a new assessment if necessary
- Confirm the current EPC rating
- Prepare the rest of your marketing materials
It also means you are less likely to discover an expired EPC immediately before your planned launch date.
If you are preparing a property for sale, our guide What Should Come First When Selling a Property: EPC, Photos or Floor Plan? explains one practical way to organise the preparation process.
What Should You Check Before Your Property Goes Live?
Use this simple checklist.
EPC checklist
- Check whether the property has an EPC
- Check the certificate date
- Confirm whether it is still valid
- Check the current EPC rating
- Arrange a new EPC if required
- Keep the certificate details available for your agent
Property marketing checklist
- Prepare professional property photographs
- Arrange a property floor plan
- Prepare the property description
- Confirm the asking price or rental price
- Provide the required property information
- Check that the listing contains the correct EPC information
What About London Properties?
The same basic EPC requirements apply across London, but property preparation can vary considerably depending on the type and age of the building.
London has everything from modern flats and apartments to Victorian terraces, converted homes and larger houses.
The EPC assessment considers the characteristics of the individual property.
Urgent EPC provides EPC services across London and South London, including areas such as:
- Croydon
- Streatham
- Tooting
- Mitcham
- Clapham
- Sutton
- Wandsworth
- Wimbledon
- Balham
- Fulham
For example, if you are preparing a property in Croydon, you can also see our EPC Certificate Croydon guide.
Can You Market a Property Before the EPC Is Available?
There is an important distinction between having the completed EPC in hand and having commissioned an EPC.
For homes in England and Wales, government guidance says that where there is no valid EPC, it must be commissioned before marketing begins. The guidance also explains that reasonable efforts should be made to obtain the EPC within the specified period.
Therefore, sellers and landlords should not simply wait until after marketing has started to think about the EPC.
If you are unsure how the rules apply to your particular property, check the latest GOV.UK guidance or seek appropriate professional advice.
What If You Need an EPC Quickly?
Sometimes a property is ready to be marketed but the EPC has expired.
This can happen when:
- A previous EPC was issued many years ago
- A landlord is preparing for a new tenancy
- A homeowner decides to sell
- An estate agent asks for the EPC shortly before listing
- A property has recently changed ownership
In these situations, arranging an EPC promptly can help keep your property preparation moving.
Urgent EPC provides Same Day EPC services across London, subject to availability.
Can You Arrange the EPC, Photography and Floor Plan Together?
Yes.
If you are preparing a property for sale or rent, arranging several services through one provider can simplify the process.
Urgent EPC provides:
- EPC certificates
- Same Day EPC
- Professional property photography
- Professional floor plans
You can explore the Urgent EPC services to see the available options.
You can also read South London EPCs, Floor Plans & Photography for more information about preparing these materials together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an EPC before selling my property?
Most properties require an EPC when being sold or rented. GOV.UK states that an EPC should be ordered before marketing the property.
How long is an EPC valid?
An EPC is generally valid for 10 years, although a newer certificate can replace an existing one.
Do I need a new EPC if I already have one?
Not necessarily. First check whether your existing EPC is still valid.
Can I check my EPC online?
Yes. You can use the official GOV.UK Find an Energy Certificate service.
What happens if my EPC has expired?
If your property requires an EPC, arrange a new assessment before marketing the property.
Can I arrange photography and a floor plan with my EPC?
Yes. Urgent EPC provides EPCs, property photography and professional floor plans, allowing you to organise several property marketing requirements together.
Does an EPC show my actual energy bills?
No. An EPC provides an assessment of the property’s energy efficiency and typical energy information. Your actual energy costs depend on how the property is occupied and used.
Prepare Your Property Before Marketing
Checking your EPC early can make the property marketing process more organised.
Start by checking whether you already have a valid certificate. If you need a new EPC, arrange it before your property is marketed.
Then prepare the rest of your listing, including professional photography, a floor plan and accurate property information.
If you need an EPC in London, you can explore the Urgent EPC service or arrange your property photography and floor plan at the same time.
