Who Pays for an EPC When Selling or Letting?

The seller or landlord is normally responsible for arranging an EPC for a home being marketed. An estate or letting agent may help organise the assessment, but that does not remove the need to check the certificate is valid.

Selling a property

GOV.UK says you must order an EPC before marketing a property for sale, unless an exemption applies. If one is already valid for the address, check the official register first. If it has expired or the property has no certificate, budget for a new accredited assessment before the listing goes live.

Letting a property

A landlord generally needs a valid EPC before marketing a rental home. Additional minimum energy efficiency rules may apply, with differences by nation and tenancy type. An agent can arrange an assessor, or you can request a quote directly.

What to compare in a quote

Ask whether the quoted cost includes the assessment, lodgement and any travel charges, and confirm the appointment and expected certificate date. The price varies by assessor and property size, so compare like for like rather than relying on an advertised starting fee.

What if the estate agent offers to organise it?

An agent can help arrange the appointment or include it in a package, but ask who the accredited assessor is and whether the fee includes the certificate being lodged. The seller or landlord should retain a copy and check the address and expiry date. Using an agent does not turn the EPC into a home survey or change the need to have a valid certificate available when required.

What if an EPC already exists?

Before paying an agent or assessor, use the relevant official register to see whether the property has a certificate and when it expires. An EPC is generally valid for 10 years. If the old one is still valid, you can usually give it to the agent rather than commission a replacement solely for the transaction. If you want improvements reflected in a new energy rating, discuss a reassessment separately.

Buyer or tenant perspective

A prospective buyer or tenant should be shown the EPC, which provides an energy rating and recommendations. They are not normally the party arranging a seller's or landlord's marketing certificate. A buyer may separately commission a RICS home survey for the building's condition, but that survey does not replace the EPC and should be budgeted as a different service.

Budgeting for a new assessment

The total cost depends on the assessor and property size. When collecting quotes, share the postcode, property type and expected marketing date. Ask for the visit date and what is included in the price. If the property is exempt from EPC requirements, check the current official rules and any evidence required rather than assuming the agent can waive the requirement.

Further reading and a quote

For related detail, read our EPC certificate cost guide. Check current official guidance and the existing-certificate register. If you need a new domestic assessment, request a tailored EPC quote.