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Understanding the Energy Report (EPC) in Your Home Report
What the EPC tells buyers and sellers, how to read the rating and why recommendations should be considered carefully.
Article introduction
- Sellers preparing for the energy part of the Home Report.
- Buyers comparing running costs and possible upgrades.
- Homeowners wondering how EPC recommendations affect saleability.
The Energy Report shows the property’s energy efficiency rating and recommended improvements. Buyers should use it as a helpful guide, but also consider the property’s age, heating system, insulation, running costs and upgrade practicality.
What the EPC shows
The Energy Report includes an EPC rating, usually shown from A to G, with A being the most efficient. It also includes recommendations that may improve energy performance. The EPC is useful because it gives buyers a quick way to compare energy efficiency between properties.
It should not be read in isolation. A property with a lower rating may still be attractive if it is priced appropriately, has realistic upgrade options or has features buyers value.
What sellers should prepare
If you have evidence of insulation, boiler replacement, double glazing, solar panels or other improvements, keep it available. The assessor may need to see or understand these features. If improvements are not visible or documented, they may not be fully reflected.
Make access to heating controls, meter cupboards, loft hatches and relevant areas as straightforward as possible.
What buyers should check
Buyers should look beyond the headline rating. Read the recommendations, estimated impact and likely practicality. Some upgrades are simple; others may be expensive, disruptive or unsuitable for the building type.
For older stone properties, tenements, listed buildings or flats with shared fabric, improvements may require consent, cooperation or specialist advice.
How the EPC fits with the rest of the Home Report
The EPC is one part of the wider Home Report. A buyer should read it alongside the Single Survey condition categories and Property Questionnaire. For example, insulation recommendations may connect with roof space access, damp, ventilation or shared repair issues.
FAQs about this topic
What does an EPC rating mean?
It indicates the property’s energy efficiency, usually from A to G.
Can a poor EPC stop a sale?
Not usually by itself, but it can affect buyer perception, running-cost concerns and upgrade expectations.
Should sellers improve the EPC before selling?
Sometimes, but only where the improvement is proportionate and realistic. Get advice before spending heavily.
Are EPC recommendations always worth doing?
Not always. Some may be sensible, while others may be costly or impractical for the property type.