Selling a House in York? When You Need an EPC and How to Get One

Updated: 4 days ago

If you're selling a house in York, EPC requirements are one of the things you'll need to think about before the property goes on the market.
I carry out domestic EPC assessments across York and the surrounding areas, and I often visit homeowners who aren't sure whether their existing EPC is still valid, whether they need a new one, or when during the selling process they should arrange it.
Here's what you need to know.
Do I Need an EPC to Sell My House in York?
In most cases, yes.
An EPC provides information about the energy efficiency of your property, giving it a rating from A to G. It also includes recommendations showing how its energy performance could potentially be improved. If you're selling your home, a valid EPC will normally need to be available to prospective buyers. If you're unsure whether your property already has one, you can check the government's EPC register before arranging another assessment.
How Long Does an EPC Last?
A domestic EPC is normally valid for 10 years.
This means you don't automatically need a new EPC every time a property is sold.
For example, if you bought your house six years ago and the EPC completed at the time is still valid, it can normally be used when you sell the property.
However, there are situations where having a new assessment can be worthwhile.
What If I've Improved the Property Since My Last EPC?
Your existing EPC doesn't automatically become invalid because you've made improvements. However, it also won't update itself. If you've installed things such as additional insulation, a new heating system, improved windows or renewable technologies since the previous assessment, your old EPC may no longer accurately reflect the property as it stands today. A new assessment could potentially produce a different rating.
This can be particularly relevant if the previous EPC shows a relatively poor rating and you've since carried out substantial energy-efficiency improvements.
What If My EPC Has Expired?
If the previous EPC is more than 10 years old, you'll generally need a new one when selling the property. It's worth checking this early rather than waiting until photographs have been taken and the estate agent is preparing the property for marketing. Arranging the assessment beforehand means the EPC can be dealt with without unnecessarily holding up the marketing process.
Can My Estate Agent Arrange the EPC?
Yes, estate agents can often arrange an EPC on your behalf.
You can also book directly with an accredited Domestic Energy Assessor.
I work independently, so when you book an EPC with me, you're dealing directly with the person who will actually carry out the assessment rather than going through a call centre or national intermediary. If you're looking specifically for an EPC in York, you can find more information about my York EPC service here.
What Happens During an EPC Assessment?
I'll need access to the different areas of the property so I can collect the information required for the assessment. This can include looking at the property's construction, heating and hot-water systems, windows, lighting and insulation. Access to the loft is particularly useful where one is present, as it may allow me to record insulation that can be seen during the assessment. For a typical house, I usually allow around an hour for the appointment, although the actual time required will depend on the property.
How Quickly Can I Get an EPC in York?
I offer flexible appointments across York and the surrounding area.
Most EPCs are completed and issued within 24 hours of the assessment.
So if you've already instructed an estate agent and discovered that your previous certificate has expired, it doesn't necessarily need to cause a lengthy delay.
How Much Does an EPC Cost in York?
My domestic EPC prices start from around £85, with the exact price depending on the property and location. I've also written a separate guide explaining EPC prices in York in more detail which can be found here
Areas of York I Cover
I carry out EPC assessments throughout York and surrounding areas, including locations such as Acomb, Bishopthorpe, Clifton, Fulford, Haxby, Heslington, Heworth, Holgate, Huntington and nearby villages. If you're slightly outside York, feel free to get in touch as I also cover a wider area across North and West Yorkshire.
Need an EPC Before Selling Your York Property?
If you're preparing to put your house on the market and need a new EPC, you can book directly with me. I'm an independent, accredited Domestic Energy Assessor offering domestic EPC assessments throughout York and the surrounding area.
There's no call centre or middleman – you'll deal directly with me from booking through to the completed EPC.
Most EPCs are completed and issued within 24 hours of assessment.



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