How Long Does it Take to Get an EPC Certificate?

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a legal requirement when selling or renting a property in the UK. It provides a clear summary of a building’s energy efficiency, assigning a rating from A to G and offering guidance on potential improvements. For property owners and developers, one of the most common questions is: how long does it actually take to get an EPC certificate?

Understanding the timeline involved can help avoid delays during a property transaction, ensure legal compliance, and support better planning during new build projects.

When Do You Need an EPC?

EPCs are required in the following situations:

• Selling a residential property
• Renting out a home or flat
• Constructing a new build that is intended for sale or rent

The certificate must be available before a property is marketed. Without one, estate agents or letting agents cannot list the property legally. For new builds, the EPC is generated after the as-built SAP assessment is completed.

There is no grace period or exemption based on property type or age. If the building is being offered for sale or rent, it must have a valid EPC available for prospective buyers or tenants to view.

Typical EPC Turnaround Times

For existing properties, the process is generally quick. A domestic energy assessor visits the property, carries out a visual inspection, and collects data on heating systems, insulation, windows, and construction materials. This assessment usually takes between 30 minutes and one hour, depending on property size.

After the visit, the assessor inputs the data into government-approved software, which calculates the EPC rating and generates the certificate. Most EPCs for existing homes are delivered within 24 to 72 hours of the site visit, provided all data is available.

New builds follow a different route. In this case, the EPC is based on a SAP assessment rather than a visual inspection. The turnaround time depends on how quickly final build data, such as air pressure test results and product specifications, is provided. If all documents are ready and accurate, the EPC can typically be completed within three to five working days.

For large developments with multiple units, each home must have its own EPC. This may increase the total turnaround time, although experienced assessors can streamline batch submissions.

Factors That Can Delay Your EPC

Several common issues can delay the delivery of an EPC:

• Missing or incorrect documentation, especially on new builds
• Late-stage design changes were not communicated to the assessor
• Air pressure tests not yet completed
• Inaccurate or outdated floor plans
• Difficulty accessing the property (in the case of existing homes)

Communication breakdowns between contractors, developers and assessors often lead to last-minute problems. By staying organised and planning ahead, many of these delays can be avoided entirely.

What Is the Fastest Way to Get an EPC?

Booking with an accredited and responsive assessor is the most effective way to speed up the process. For existing homes, choosing a local assessor often means faster availability. Ensure the property is accessible, systems are working, and documentation such as boiler manuals or insulation certificates is ready for review.

For new builds, appointing the same team to complete the SAP and EPC processes can streamline communication and reduce delays. Providing final build specifications promptly will allow the certificate to be issued quickly after construction is complete.

Some companies offer express EPC services for an additional fee, aiming to return the certificate within 24 hours. However, these services still rely on the availability of documentation and access to the site.

Why Timing Matters

In property sales, waiting for an EPC can delay listing or completion. Solicitors often require the certificate before progressing with contracts. For landlords, failure to provide an EPC before a tenancy begins can result in legal penalties and issues with tenant agreements.

New build developers also face regulatory implications. Without an EPC, Building Control may not issue a completion certificate, meaning the property cannot be legally sold or occupied.

Letting agents may also refuse to advertise a rental property without a valid certificate on file. In some cases, delays in obtaining the EPC can result in lost marketing time and postponed move-in dates.

Avoiding delays in the EPC process is therefore not just about convenience. It has direct implications for project timelines, sales progression, and legal compliance.

How Long Is an EPC Valid?

Once issued, an EPC remains valid for 10 years. However, if you carry out major upgrades to the heating, insulation or renewable systems, a new certificate can highlight the improved rating and support better resale or letting potential.

If you’re unsure whether your EPC is still valid, you can check the register online using the property’s address or EPC reference number.

For new builds, the EPC reflects the as-built condition. If the property remains unsold or unlet for several years, the existing EPC can still be used, provided no changes have been made that affect energy performance.

Working With Professionals

Accredited assessors ensure the EPC is compliant and accurate. They follow standard procedures and use government-approved tools to calculate the rating. This consistency ensures fairness across the market.

For property owners, working with experienced professionals makes the entire process easier. It avoids unnecessary hold-ups and ensures that your certificate is ready exactly when needed.

At SAP Assessment, our team manages both the SAP process and the final EPC for new builds. For landlords and sellers of existing homes, we provide clear guidance and fast turnaround times, ensuring compliance and peace of mind.

To arrange a compliant EPC or learn more about timelines for your project, visit our Contact Us page. You can also review our services for SAP Assessments and EPC Certificates.