What Happens If Your Property Has Changed Since Your Last EPC?
If your London property has had work carried out since its last Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), you may wonder whether the existing certificate still reflects the property accurately.
Changes such as a new boiler, replacement windows, additional insulation, solar panels, an extension or other alterations can affect the information recorded during an EPC assessment.
An EPC is generally valid for 10 years, but that does not necessarily mean you should ignore significant changes made to the property during that period.
Before selling or renting out a property, it is worth checking the existing certificate and considering whether the property’s current condition is accurately represented.
Does a Property Need a New EPC After Improvements?
Not every improvement automatically means that you need a new EPC.
For example, if you have replaced a few light fittings or made minor cosmetic changes, this would not normally mean that you need to arrange another assessment simply because the property has changed.
However, more substantial changes can be relevant to the information used for an EPC assessment.
Examples can include:
Installing a new heating system
Replacing a boiler
Adding loft or wall insulation
Installing double glazing
Adding solar panels
Constructing an extension
Converting part of a property
Making significant changes to the property’s heating or hot-water systems
If you are unsure whether a new assessment is appropriate, check the current government guidance and speak with an accredited assessor.
First Check Your Existing EPC
Before booking another assessment, check whether your property already has a valid EPC.
You can use the official GOV.UK service to search for an existing Energy Performance Certificate.
Check EPC Online in London: How to Find Your Certificate explains how to locate an existing certificate and what information to check before arranging another assessment.
You should check:
The property address
Assessment date
EPC rating
Certificate details
Recommendations
Whether the certificate is still valid
Check EPC Online in London: How to Find Your Certificate
The official GOV.UK service also allows property owners to check existing energy certificates and find an accredited assessor where a new assessment is required.
GOV.UK – Get a new energy certificate
What If You Have Improved the Property?
Energy-efficiency improvements can change the characteristics of a property.
For example, you may have installed:
Loft insulation
Cavity wall insulation
Double glazing
A more efficient boiler
Heating controls
Solar panels
Other energy-efficiency improvements
Keep records of significant work whenever possible.
Invoices, installation certificates, product information and other documentation can be useful when discussing previous improvements with an assessor.
However, an improvement does not automatically guarantee a particular EPC rating. The rating is based on the assessment of the property and the information available to the assessor.
What If You Have Extended the Property?
An extension can be particularly important because it may change the size, layout and construction characteristics of the property.
If you have added an extension since the previous EPC, make sure the assessor knows about the alteration.
Useful information may include:
The approximate date of the extension
Construction details
Insulation information
Window specifications
Heating arrangements
Any available building documentation
A significant change to the property can mean that relying on an old certificate without checking the circumstances may not be appropriate.
What If You Have Replaced Windows or Doors?
Windows and doors can contribute to the energy performance information recorded during an EPC assessment.
If your property has changed from single glazing to double glazing, for example, keep any available documentation showing the installation.
This does not mean that replacing windows guarantees a higher EPC rating. The assessor considers the property as a whole, including its construction, heating, insulation, windows and other relevant characteristics.
What If You Own a Listed or Older London Property?
Older and listed properties can require additional consideration.
Traditional London properties may have solid walls, original windows, historic features or other construction characteristics that differ significantly from modern buildings.
If your property is listed or located within a conservation area, do not assume that every EPC recommendation should automatically be carried out.
Our recent guide explains the specific considerations for these properties:
EPC for Listed Buildings in London: What Owners Need to Know
EPC for Listed Buildings in London: What Owners Need to Know
Historic England also provides information about energy efficiency and traditionally constructed buildings.
Historic England – Energy efficiency and historic buildings
What If You Are a Landlord?
Landlords should pay particular attention to EPC requirements when preparing a property for a new tenancy.
Before marketing a rental property, check whether the existing EPC is valid and whether the property meets the requirements that currently apply to it.
Our EPC for Rental Property in London: Landlord Checklist covers the wider process of preparing a rental property, from checking the certificate through to preparing the listing.
EPC for Rental Property in London: Landlord Checklist
For current private rented sector requirements and exemptions, landlords should use the latest GOV.UK guidance rather than relying on older articles.
GOV.UK – Domestic private rented property minimum energy efficiency standard
Review Your EPC Recommendations
If your existing EPC contains recommendations, take some time to understand what they mean before arranging improvement work.
The recommendations can identify potential measures that could improve the property’s energy performance.
However, the appropriate improvements can depend on the age, construction and condition of the building.
Our recent guide:
EPC Recommendations for London Properties: What to Do Next
explains how property owners can review the recommendations and consider what to do after receiving an EPC.
EPC Recommendations for London Properties: What to Do Next
Should You Arrange a New EPC Before Selling?
If you are preparing to sell, start by checking whether your property already has a valid EPC.
GOV.UK states that an EPC is generally required when selling or renting a property and should be ordered before the property is marketed, subject to applicable rules and exemptions.
GOV.UK – Energy Performance Certificates when selling a home
If your property has undergone significant changes, discuss the circumstances with an accredited assessor before deciding whether another assessment is required.
What Information Should You Give Your EPC Assessor?
If you arrange a new assessment, make relevant information available to the assessor.
This may include:
Previous EPC certificates
Boiler information
Heating system details
Insulation documentation
Window information
Solar panel details
Extension information
Renovation records
Product or installation certificates
You should also make sure the assessor can access the relevant parts of the property.
If you are arranging an assessment, our How to Prepare for an EPC Assessment in London: A Practical Checklist provides additional preparation guidance.
How to Prepare for an EPC Assessment in London: A Practical Checklist
EPC Changes: Quick Checklist
Before selling or renting your London property, consider the following:
☐ Check whether an EPC already exists
☐ Check the certificate date
☐ Confirm the property address
☐ Review the current EPC rating
☐ Check whether the property has been extended
☐ Check whether the heating system has changed
☐ Check whether windows have been replaced
☐ Check whether insulation has been added
☐ Check whether solar panels have been installed
☐ Keep records of significant improvements
☐ Review the EPC recommendations
☐ Check the current GOV.UK requirements
☐ Arrange a new assessment if appropriate
Final Thoughts
If your London property has changed since its previous EPC, do not automatically assume that you need a new certificate or that the old certificate should simply be ignored.
Start by checking the existing EPC and identifying what has changed.
Significant alterations such as extensions, heating upgrades, insulation improvements or changes to windows may be relevant when assessing the property’s current energy performance.
If you need a new assessment, make sure the assessor has access to the property and any useful documentation relating to previous improvements.
For current EPC requirements, always check the latest GOV.UK guidance.
If you need an EPC assessment in London, you can also explore Urgent EPC’s residential EPC services or contact the team to discuss your requirements.
