EPC Register Search by Postcode

Energy Performance Certificates were first introduced in 2007 with a gradual phasing in. The EPC register was thereafter fully available for domestic dwellings in the Autumn of 2008. The primary motivation of government was an attempt to raise awareness and encourage proper understanding of the property’s carbon footprint. Not only does an Energy Performance Certificate raise awareness but it also makes recommendations to make the property more energy efficient. The EPC register search came about at a later date and is currently being consolidated with data from England, Wales and Northern Ireland.When a buildings EPC is produced it makes available useful data about the property. This data is brought together by the energy assessor, together with the square area of the property which is indispensable tool for property development.

EPC Register Search to also include NI

The EPC register search is a useful tool for potential purchasers and renters. Though often overlooked the data is also used in government research and policy making when improving the energy efficiency of UK building stock. There was a brief break to resolve data licensing issues from 2017-2019, EPC data was again regularly published and updated by the government on Open Data Communities.An Energy Performance Certificate displays a rating from A (most efficient) down to G (least efficient). An energy Performance Certificate is valid for a period of 10 years. The EPC register search will confirm the expiry date therefore subtract 10 years to find out when the Energy Assessor carried out their inspection.

EPC Consultation to Squeeze landlords further

An EPC must be made available to a prospective purchaser and/or tenant. Failure to comply with the regulatory framework brings about financial penalties. In respect of domestic properties there is a £200 penalty, where non-domestic properties are concerned the penalty is the total equivalent to 12.5% of the rateable value of the building, subject to a minimum of £500 and a maximum of £5,000. Where this can not be applied, a default penalty of £750 would be issued. In 2020 the government consultation on energy efficient regulations put forward proposals to upgrade as many buildings in the Private Rented Sector (PRS) as possible by 2030 to band C. If landlords failed to improve their rented properties they could face fines of up to £30,000. Further to this tenants would be able to claim compensation.

PRS has around 67% of properties rated below Band C

It is noted that the PRS, proportionately, has around 67% of the coldest properties rated at less than EPC band C. This poses health and wellness risks to tenants and inevitably higher energy bills. The government hopes to introduce changes from 2025 with all tenancies as from 2028. The maximum investment amount proposed (average property spend) to £4,700 below a cap of £10,000. These moves are ultimately seen to benefit tenants, the environment and landlords. The consultation paper can be read here. Some industry press and landlords see the proposals as encouraging local authorities access to revenue (fines) by stealth. Councils will now rely on the EPC register search to identify properties below band E in order to issue fines.

EPC Property compliance and exemptions database proposed

Though an alternative proposal would require landlords to aspire towards a dual metric target. That being both an Environmental Impact Rating (Carbon Emissions) band C, together with an Energy Efficiency Rating (cost) band C. There would also be an increased cost cap of £15,000. There is also consideration to require online property platforms and letting agents to only let, advertise and list properties that are compliant. Fixed civil penalty fines would also be increased to £30,000 (per property-per breach). Aproperty compliance and exemptions database has also been put forward within the consultation. Local authorities may also be relied upon to use the EPC register search to identify non conforming properties. Tenants would also be given powers to request improvements where a landlord operates a non-compliant property.