Validity Period of EPC - Govt Seeks Views

Another consultation

Submitted by: MikeC (Admin) on 15-Dec-07 03:22:06 AM

This only came up on my radar yesterday, though it was apparently published on 13th December 2007.

To consult on the validity of Energy Performance Certificates for private marketed sales of dwellings and seek views on the best balance between cost to the consumer and amount of carbon saved.

How long should an EPC remain valid?

The Government has already legislated for a period of 12 months but it wants to know if that's the optimum period based on the credible information it presents to homebuyers, and the C02 savings resulting from recommendations on the EPC being carried out in a timely manner.

The Government's own studies suggests between 1 and 2 years but asks for opinions based on: 3 mths, 12 mths, 3 years, 5 years and finally, 7 years.

More info: Energy Performance Certificates for Private Marketed Sales of Dwellings: Validity Period of Certificates

Did you know?

According to Govt figures the numbers of homes resold within:

• 3 months - 1 year: Around 4,000 homes
• 3 years: Around 250,000
• 5 years: Around 1 million
• 7 years: Around 2 million

Posts: 2

EPC validity
Reply #1 on : Sun December 16, 2007, 21:42:50

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I beleive we need to keep the 12 months validity period. Extending the validity period would serve to further undermine the value of the EPC with the public, as it would be seen a yet another watering down of the requirements. We, the industry and the govt need to concentrate on promoting the EPC. Furthermore, as the RdSAP is reviewed and the software develops, ratings should become more accurate, and recomendations may change.

Posts: 2

EPC validity period
Reply #2 on : Mon December 24, 2007, 14:11:37

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As a DEA, from a business prospective it is tempting to propose shorter validity periods than required. If a homeowner has improved the energy performance of their property they may well want to have a new EPC and that would be expected to be in their interest and so a route they would take. But should they be forced to, particularly if they have made little or no change ? In all honesty I see no justification for this. Therefore, I would propose a long validity period by default, say 3 years.