How to Get a New EPC Certificate (2026 Guide)

🎯 Quick Answer

You need a new EPC certificate when selling, letting, or significantly improving your property. Book an accredited assessor (£35-£120), allow 45-90 minutes for assessment, receive digital certificate within 5 days, valid for 10 years.

When Do You Need a New EPC Certificate?

You legally need a new EPC certificate in these situations:

🏡 Property Transactions

Selling your property: Must have valid EPC before marketing (fine up to £5,000)
Letting your property: Required before advertising to tenants
New build completions: Developer must provide EPC for each dwelling
Commercial property sales/lettings: Non-domestic buildings also require EPCs

⚡ After Energy Improvements

Voluntary new EPC: After insulation, heating system upgrades, or solar panels
Landlord compliance: Improving from E/F/G rating to meet 2030 EPC C requirement
Property value: Higher EPC rating can increase sale price by 1-3%
Marketing advantage: Better rating attracts buyers/tenants faster

📅 Expired Certificates

10-year validity: EPCs expire exactly 10 years from issue date
No automatic renewal: You must book a new assessment
Check existing EPC: Search EPC register first — you might have a valid one

How to Get a New EPC Certificate: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Find an Accredited Assessor

Use official directory: GOV.UK Find an Assessor tool
Check accreditation: Must be registered with Elmhurst, STROMA, Quidos, or approved scheme
Get multiple quotes: Prices vary £35-£120 for domestic properties
Verify insurance: Assessor should have professional indemnity cover

Step 2: Book the Assessment

Schedule site visit: Assessor must physically inspect the property
Allow sufficient time: 45-90 minutes depending on property size
Prepare access: Ensure all rooms, loft space, boiler accessible
Gather documentation: Building plans, heating system manuals if available

Step 3: The Assessment Visit

The assessor will inspect and record:

Building fabric: Wall construction, insulation, glazing type
Heating system: Boiler efficiency, controls, radiators
Hot water: System type, cylinder insulation, controls
Lighting: Bulb types, natural light levels
Ventilation: Air tightness, mechanical ventilation systems

⚠️ New June 2025 Assessment Rules

From June 2025, assessors must collect more detailed evidence including:

Manufacturer model numbers for heating systems
Specific glazing performance data
Photographic evidence of insulation
More precise measurements of building elements

Step 4: Certificate Production

Data processing: Assessor enters findings into government-approved software
Rating calculation: System calculates A-G rating based on energy efficiency
Digital certificate: EPC produced as PDF document
Automatic lodging: Certificate registered on official EPC database

Step 5: Receive Your New EPC

Delivery timeframe: Usually within 5 working days of assessment
Digital format: Sent via email as PDF file
Reference number: Unique identifier for retrieving from database
10-year validity: Valid until exactly 10 years from issue date