Getting a new EPC is straightforward. An accredited Domestic Energy Assessor surveys your property, then lodges the certificate on the national register — usually within a few days.
When you need a new EPC
- Selling: you must have a valid EPC before marketing the property — a £200 fixed penalty applies for failing to provide one.
- Letting: required before advertising to tenants, and the property must meet at least EPC E under the MEES rules — rising to C from 2030 (see our landlord guide).
- New builds: the developer must provide an EPC on completion.
- After improvements: optional, but a fresh EPC captures upgrades like insulation, a new boiler or solar panels — see which improvements move your rating most.
How to get a new EPC
- Find an accredited assessor via the official Get a new energy certificate service, or get quotes from several (Elmhurst, Stroma, Quidos and other schemes).
- Book the survey — it usually takes under an hour for a typical home.
- Receive your certificate, lodged on the official register and valid for 10 years.
What it costs
Prices are set by the market, not by statute, and vary with property size and location — trade guides quote £35–£120, with £65–£120 typical for most homes. Since RdSAP 10, assessments take a little longer, which has nudged prices up — compare a few quotes. See our full cost guide.
What to expect from the assessment
- The assessor measures rooms and notes construction, insulation and glazing.
- They record your heating system, hot water and any renewables.
- You'll get the rating plus a prioritised list of recommended improvements.
RdSAP 10: more evidence, from 15 June 2025
Since 15 June 2025, EPCs use the RdSAP 10 methodology, which relies more on evidence than assumptions — every window is measured, and heating systems are recorded by model. It helps to have to hand: heating-system model numbers, glazing details, and any documentation for insulation or improvements. Where evidence isn't available, the assessor may have to assume a lower efficiency — which can reduce your score. From H2 2027, assessments move again to the reformed Home Energy Model format; certificates issued now remain valid for their full 10 years.
Frequently asked questions
Sources
- GOV.UK — Get a new energy certificate (find an accredited assessor)
- GOV.UK — Find an energy certificate (official EPC register)
- GOV.UK — Energy Performance Certificates when buying or selling your home (£200 penalty)
- GOV.UK — Domestic private rented property: MEES landlord guidance (EPC E to let)
- legislation.gov.uk — Energy Performance of Buildings (England and Wales) Regulations 2012
- Elmhurst Energy — RdSAP 10: what it means for homeowners and tenants
- MyBuilder — How much does an Energy Performance Certificate cost?
- Checkatrade — Energy Performance Certificate cost guide
- GOV.UK — Home Energy Model: Energy Performance Certificates (H2 2027 reformed EPCs)
- GOV.UK — Improving the energy performance of privately rented homes: government response (2030 EPC C)
About this guide
Researched and written by the EPC Certificate UK Editorial Team from official GOV.UK publications and regulatory guidance. Last reviewed 17 July 2026. For guidance only — not legal advice.