Energy-efficient homes
buyer guides

Energy Performance Certificates

Energy Performance Certificates are essential for any homeowner. Read our guide to find out what they are and how they can save you money.

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What is an Energy Performance Certificate?

First introduced in 2007, an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a four-page legal document that measures the energy efficiency of a property. The certificate rates a property’s efficiency using a scale of A to G, with A being the most efficient.


An EPC is required whenever a property is built, sold or rented. Once your property has been assessed and the EPC has been obtained, it remains valid for ten years. 

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What does an EPC contain?

Once your property has been assessed, the EPC will provide you with energy efficiency information about your property. This information is split into four sections:

The ratings: What do they mean?

Your Energy Performance Certificate is calculated based on the government’s Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP). Your home will be given a numerical value from 1 to 100. These scores are then divided into bands and this determines the energy-efficiency of your property. The higher your energy-efficiency rating (EER), the more efficient your home is and the less it will cost you to run it. 
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Save money by buying new

New build homes are increasingly more energy-efficient than older properties. People living in new build homes save on average over £420 a year on their overall energy bills compared with those in older properties.*

That saving increases to £618 a year when compared to an older home with an F or G EPC rating.*
Energy efficient homes
"New build homeowners save on average over £420 a year on their overall energy bills"*

How much money can I save With a new build?

Data from the Home Builders Federation (HBF) found that on average, buyers of a new build home save on average over £420 a year on their overall energy bills, 27% cheaper than an older property.*

Taylor Wimpey Staff

What else could you do to improve your EPC?

 

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*Figures sourced from Watt a Save, 2026, Home Builders Federation (HBF) and Octopus Energy