If you’re selling your home, preparing a property to let, or just trying to stay on top of your compliance obligations as a landlord, you’ve probably asked yourself this question at some point: how long is my EPC actually valid for?
It’s a fair question — and one that catches a surprising number of people off guard. Here’s the clear answer, plus some useful context on when you might need a new one even before the standard expiry.
The Straightforward Answer: 10 Years
An EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) is valid for 10 years from the date it was issued.
You can check the date your current EPC was lodged by searching the official EPC register using your property’s postcode. The register is free to use, and it shows the full certificate, the rating, the date of issue, and when it expires.
So if your EPC was issued in March 2016, it’s valid until March 2026. After that, you’ll need a new assessment before you can market the property for sale or rent.
Simple enough — but there are a few situations where you may want (or need) a new EPC before the 10 years are up.
When Do You Need a New EPC Even If Yours Is Still Valid?
You’re Selling Your Home
You need a valid EPC in place before you put your property on the market. As long as yours hasn’t expired, you’re fine to use the existing one. If it expired recently and you’re just about to list — you’ll need a new one sorted quickly. GOV.UK guidance on EPCs for selling and buying a home confirms this requirement.
Here’s the thing: buyers and their solicitors will pull your EPC from the register as part of due diligence. An expired certificate, or one that hasn’t been lodged, will be spotted and may cause delays to your sale. It’s always better to sort it early.
You’re Renting Out a Property
If you’re a landlord, you need a valid EPC with at least an E rating before you can advertise the property to let. If your existing EPC expires mid-tenancy, you’re technically in breach of MEES regulations (Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards) if the certificate lapses.
In practice, the biggest risk is at the point of advertising a new tenancy — which is when you’ll need a current certificate. Most landlords renew the EPC at the point of tenant changeover or as the certificate approaches its expiry.
You’ve Made Significant Improvements to the Property
If you’ve carried out meaningful energy-related improvements since the last assessment — a new boiler, loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, double glazing, solar panels — there’s a strong case for commissioning a new EPC to reflect the current state of the property.
This matters for two reasons:
- Better rating for rental compliance. If your property was hovering at E or even F, improvements may push you well into D or C territory — reducing your compliance risk and making the property more attractive to tenants.
- Marketing. A better EPC rating can be a genuine selling point. Buyers and tenants increasingly pay attention to running costs, and a B or C rated property can stand out from the crowd.
You’re not legally required to update the EPC after improvements — but it’s often worth doing.
You Made a Change of Use
If a property has been converted from, say, a commercial unit to a residential dwelling, a new EPC will be required for the residential use. The old commercial EPC won’t apply to the new use.
What Happens If You Try to Market a Property Without a Valid EPC?
For residential sales and lettings, you must have a valid EPC in place before marketing. If you don’t, the local authority can issue a penalty charge notice. For most residential properties, the fine is £200 for not having an EPC when selling — and up to £5,000 for landlords who fail to comply with MEES requirements.
Beyond the fine risk, estate agents are increasingly cautious about listing properties without EPCs, and property portals may remove listings that don’t include one. It’s simply not worth the risk.
How Long Does It Take to Get a New EPC?
Not long at all. At The Prime EPC, the process is:
- Book online — takes a couple of minutes, no payment upfront
- Assessor visits — usually 30–45 minutes on-site, depending on property size
- Certificate issued — typically within 24 hours of the assessment, lodged directly on the government register
We offer same-day appointments across Wimbledon, South West London, and Surrey. If you’re working to a deadline — a sale about to go through, a new tenancy starting — we can prioritise your assessment. Check our pricing and book a new EPC assessment directly online.
How Much Does a New EPC Cost?
Our pricing for standard residential EPCs starts from £45 for a one-bedroom flat. The cost depends on property size and type — you can use our instant quote tool on the homepage to get an accurate figure in seconds.
There are no hidden fees. The assessment, the certificate, and lodgement on the government register are all included.
Local EPC Services in Wimbledon and South West London
If you’re based in the SW19 area, we’re your local provider. We cover EPC in Wimbledon, EPC in Central London (Zones 1–3), and the wider Surrey KT postcode area.
Same-day assessments are available across our service area — which means you don’t need to wait days for an appointment just because you’re in a rush.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I check when my EPC expires? Visit the official EPC register and search by postcode. The certificate entry shows the issue date and the expiry date. It’s free to search.
- Can I sell my house with an expired EPC? No — a valid EPC must be available before you market the property. If yours has expired, you’ll need to commission a new assessment before listing.
- Does an EPC expire if I renovate my home? Not automatically — the existing certificate remains valid for its 10-year term regardless of works carried out. However, if improvements are significant enough to change the energy rating meaningfully, it may be worth updating it voluntarily.
- My EPC was done 9 years ago — should I get a new one now? If you’re planning to sell or re-let within the next year or so, it’s worth getting ahead of it. Waiting until it expires and then scrambling to get one sorted during a sale can add unnecessary stress.
- Does the new EPC replace the old one on the register? Yes. Once a new EPC is lodged, it becomes the current valid certificate for the property. The old one is retained in the system but is no longer the active certificate.
- How long does an EPC assessment take? For most residential properties, the on-site assessment takes around 30–45 minutes. Larger or more complex properties may take a little longer.
Need a New EPC?
If your EPC has expired — or is due to expire soon — don’t wait until it causes a problem. The Prime EPC covers Wimbledon, South West London, and Surrey with fast, accredited assessments and same-day availability.
Check your quote in seconds and book a new EPC assessment online. No payment needed until after the assessment.
Have more questions? Take a look at our frequently asked questions page.