EPC responsibilities seller vs buyer

When it comes to buying or selling a property in the UK, there are certain responsibilities that both the seller and the buyer have in relation to Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs). An EPC is a legal requirement for all properties being sold or rented in the UK, and it provides information on the energy efficiency of a property, as well as recommendations for improving its energy performance.

For sellers, the responsibility for obtaining an EPC lies with them. It is the seller’s responsibility to ensure that an EPC is commissioned before the property is put on the market, and to make the EPC available to potential buyers. The EPC must be provided free of charge to any prospective buyer who requests it, and it must be included in any marketing materials for the property.

The EPC must also be displayed prominently in the property, such as in the property particulars or on the property listing online. If the property is being sold through an estate agent, the agent should be able to arrange for an EPC to be carried out on behalf of the seller.

For buyers, the responsibility lies in reviewing the EPC and taking it into consideration when making a decision about whether to purchase the property. The EPC provides valuable information about the energy efficiency of the property, as well as potential savings that could be made by implementing the recommended improvements.

Buyers should also be aware that the EPC is valid for 10 years, so if they are purchasing a property that has had an EPC carried out within the last 10 years, they should request a copy of the EPC from the seller. If the property does not have a valid EPC, the buyer should request that one be commissioned before completing the purchase.

In some cases, buyers may also want to commission their own EPC to get an independent assessment of the property’s energy efficiency. This can be particularly useful if the existing EPC is outdated or if the buyer has specific concerns about the property’s energy performance.

Overall, both sellers and buyers have a responsibility to ensure that the EPC requirements are met when buying or selling a property in the UK. By understanding these responsibilities and working together to ensure compliance with the regulations, both parties can help to create a more energy-efficient and sustainable property market.

In addition to EPCs, PropCert Ltd also offers a range of other certification and compliance services for residential and commercial properties. These services include Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs), gas safety certificates (CP12), boiler servicing, asbestos and fire risk surveys, and more. By working with a reputable and experienced property services company like PropCert Ltd, buyers and sellers can ensure that their properties are safe, compliant, and energy-efficient.

In conclusion, when it comes to EPC responsibilities, sellers are responsible for obtaining and providing an EPC for their property, while buyers are responsible for reviewing the EPC and taking it into consideration when making a decision about purchasing a property. By understanding and fulfilling these responsibilities, both sellers and buyers can contribute to a more sustainable and energy-efficient property market in the UK.