Energy Performance Inspection in the UK: Your Complete 2025 Guide to EPCs, Costs and Compliance

Energy efficiency has become a cornerstone of UK property transactions, with energy performance inspections playing a crucial role in both residential and commercial sectors. Whether you're buying, selling, or renting property in 2025, understanding the intricacies of energy performance inspections could save you thousands of pounds and help you avoid hefty penalties.

In the quarter January to March 2025, 466,000 Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) were lodged on the Energy Performance of Buildings Register for both domestic and non-domestic properties in England and Wales, a 4% increase compared to the same quarter in 2024.

This surge reflects the growing importance of energy efficiency in the UK property market.

What Is an Energy Performance Inspection?

An energy performance inspection is a comprehensive assessment of a property's energy efficiency, conducted by an accredited Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA). EPCs tell you how energy efficient a building is, rating a home from A (very efficient) to G (inefficient), and tell you how costly it will be to heat and light your property, and what its CO2 emissions are likely to be.

The inspection evaluates various aspects of your property, including:

• Insulation quality (walls, roof, and floors)
• Heating systems and controls
• Windows and glazing types
• Lighting efficiency
• Ventilation systems

The True Cost of Energy Performance Inspections in 2025

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) typically costs between £60 and £120. EPC certificate costs vary depending on the size of the property, the location, the type of building and the provider.

However, prices can range significantly:

• Small flats: £35-£60
• Standard houses: £60-£120
• Large properties: £100-£150
• Commercial buildings: £150-£500+

The average cost of an EPC Assessor is normally around £15 to £25 per hour or £90 to £120 per day.

It's worth noting that estate agents often charge premium rates for convenience, sometimes adding 20-30% to standard assessor fees.

Hidden Costs to Consider

Due to EPC changes that came into effect in June 2025, EPC assessors will now collect and record more specific information about a property, including types of glazing and their condition and heating system efficiency based on evidence such as model numbers or manufacturer data. Energy efficiency improvements will only be reflected if evidence is available. This means EPCs will now depend much more on the paperwork homeowners and landlords can provide.

Who Needs an Energy Performance Inspection?

An EPC is a legal requirement if you are selling or letting out a property in the UK. If you do not get an EPC when selling a house or you're a landlord renting out a property, you could be fined up to £5,000.

You'll need an EPC when:

• Marketing a property for sale
• Renting out a residential property
• Constructing a new building
• Applying for certain government grants

The 2025 Regulatory Landscape: MEES and Beyond

Current Requirements

Since 1 April 2020, landlords can no longer let or continue to let properties covered by the MEES Regulations if they have an EPC rating below E, unless they have a valid exemption in place.

This applies to all rental properties in England and Wales.

What's Coming Next

Following the Government's press release on 7 February 2025, "Warm homes and cheaper bills as government accelerates Plan for Change", which announced its plans to cut the cost of bills and lift tenants out of fuel poverty by 2030, the Government states that families have faced rocketing energy bills as a direct consequence of an overreliance on international gas markets, while at the same time thousands of tenants have been left exposed to cold, draughty homes, pushing bills up even higher.

The Government's proposal is that all rentals will need an EPC rating of "C" by 2030, and all new tenancies will need to meet the standard by 2028. Failure to comply will mean a £30,000 fine per property.

The Energy Performance Inspection Process

Step 1: Finding an Accredited Assessor

In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, only accredited domestic energy assessors can produce valid EPCs. You'll need one of these assessors to produce an EPC certificate for you. Visit the GOV.UK website to find an assessor.

Step 2: Property Assessment

During the inspection, which typically takes 45 minutes to an hour, the assessor will:

• Measure room dimensions
• Examine heating systems and controls
• Check insulation levels
• Assess windows and doors
• Review lighting systems
• Document construction materials

Step 3: Certificate Generation

After the assessment, the assessor will give you a digital copy of your certificate.

The certificate is then uploaded to the national register and remains valid for 10 years.

Latest Statistics: The State of Energy Efficiency in 2025

In the quarter January to March 2025, 86% of new dwellings were given an A or B rating, an increase from 85% in the same quarter in 2024.

This demonstrates the improving energy standards in new construction.

In the quarter April to June 2025, 88% of new dwellings were given an A or B rating, an increase from 87% in the same quarter in 2024.

The trend continues upward, showing the construction industry's commitment to energy efficiency.

Improving your EPC rating not only helps with compliance but can also:

• Reduce energy bills by up to £240 annually
• Increase property value
• Attract eco-conscious tenants
• Qualify for green mortgage rates

Conclusion

Energy performance inspections have evolved from a simple compliance requirement to a crucial factor in property valuation and marketability. With 466,000 EPCs lodged in Q1 2025 alone, the importance of understanding this process cannot be overstated.

Whether you're a homeowner, landlord, or property investor, staying ahead of energy efficiency requirements isn't just about avoiding penalties—it's about maximising property value and contributing to the UK's net-zero ambitions. As regulations tighten and buyer expectations rise, those who act now will be best positioned for success in the evolving property market.

For comprehensive property insights that go beyond energy ratings, consider complementing your EPC with advanced survey solutions that provide the full picture of your property's condition and potential.