How much does an EPC cost?

There is no fixed price for an EPC. Most people in England and Wales pay somewhere between £35 and £120 for a domestic assessment, and the spread comes down to a few predictable things.

What sets the price

Property size matters most: a one-bed flat takes half the time of a five-bed detached house, and assessors price accordingly. Location is next; assessments in and around London tend to cost more. Finally, who you book through: an independent local assessor is usually cheaper than ordering through an estate agent, who typically adds a margin on the same work.

What you get for the money

A visit of roughly 30 minutes to an hour. The assessor measures the property, checks insulation, heating, glazing, and lighting, then lodges the certificate on the official register, usually within a few days. The certificate is valid for 10 years and anyone can view it free on gov.uk.

How to book

Only an accredited domestic energy assessor can produce a valid EPC. The official directory is the gov.uk assessor search: enter your postcode and contact two or three directly. Asking for quotes takes minutes and the spread between the cheapest and dearest local quote is often £30 or more for identical work.

When you can skip paying

Check whether your home already has a valid certificate before booking; if it was sold or let in the last 10 years, it probably does. If you are buying, the seller must provide an EPC, so the cost is theirs. Some landlords inherit a valid certificate from the previous owner. The only common reason to pay for a new one early is to capture improvement work: a new certificate after insulation or a new boiler replaces the old rating straight away.

Commercial EPCs

Non-domestic certificates are a different job with a different qualification, and prices start around £150 and climb with floor area and building complexity. If you run a shop, office or unit, budget accordingly and expect the assessor to ask for floor plans.