Do You Need an EPC to Sell a House in Wales?

The legal requirement

Under the rules for England & Wales, you must commission an EPC before you market your property for sale, and make it available to anyone who asks. If you market a home without one you can be fined up to £5,000. You can read the official position on gov.uk.

Is there a minimum EPC rating to sell?

No. There is no minimum EPC rating to sell a home – you can sell a property with any rating, even an F or G. The minimum-standard rules (currently band E) apply to letting a property, not selling it. So a poor rating won’t stop you selling, though it may affect what some buyers offer.

How long an EPC lasts, and what it costs

• An EPC is valid for 10 years – if yours is older, you’ll need a new one before marketing.
• You can check whether your home already has a valid EPC on the government register.
• A new EPC typically costs £60–£120, carried out by an accredited assessor.

Are any properties exempt?

A limited number are, including some listed buildings where the required improvements would unacceptably alter their character (get advice from your local authority conservation officer), and certain buildings used for only a few months a year. Most ordinary homes are not exempt.

Selling to us: no EPC needed

Because we buy your property directly for cash rather than marketing it, you don’t need an EPC to sell to us – one less cost and one less job. See the full cost of selling in Wales.

Common questions

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