What is an EPC and Why Does It Matter? 

An EPC, or Energy Performance Certificate, gives you a clear snapshot of how energy-efficient a property is. It’s rated from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient) and must legally be provided before any property is marketed for sale or rent. 

What the certificate tells you 

The certificate shows current energy costs based on typical usage and the property’s carbon emissions. Crucially, it also lists practical, costed recommendations for improvements, such as heat pumps, internal wall insulation, or smart heating controls, alongside potential savings. 

Why it matters to first-time buyers 

A rating of A, B, or C usually means lower monthly bills. Many lenders offer green mortgages with preferential interest rates or cashback rewards for homes in these top brackets. 

Lenders also look closely at poor ratings (D-G). Because energy costs are a significant part of household spending, a low rating can actually reduce the amount a bank is willing to lend you during the affordability check. 

For buyers thinking about the rental market or future resale, the government has set a target for all rental properties to reach EPC Band C by October 2030. Buying a property that’s already a C or higher saves you from potentially expensive upgrades (up to a £10,000 cost cap) later. 

For more on how lenders assess affordability, see our guide on how much can I borrow for a mortgage. 

Legal requirements 

Your EPC lasts ten years, but you should check that it reflects any recent work done by the seller (like a new boiler or solar panels). Since 2024, estate agents are legally required to include the EPC rating as part of the Material Information on every listing, failure to do so can result in significant fines for the agent. 

The role of your solicitor 

During the conveyancing process, your solicitor will obtain the full report. At Setfords, we review the EPC as standard, flagging any potential lender concerns, especially for properties at the lower end of the scale, and ensuring you have a clear picture of the property’s energy performance before you exchange. 

Next steps 

If your offer has been accepted and you want expert guidance on property reports like EPCs, Setfords can help. We help first-time buyers budget accurately for energy costs alongside their legal fees with fast, transparent support. 

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