Validity of EPCs extended to three years

Builders with homes for sale have been thrown a cash-saving lifeline by the government which has boosted the validity of energy performance certificates (EPCs).

Energy-efficiency certificates for homes up for sale have had their validity increased from 12 months to three years.

The House of Commons’ select committee on merits of statutory instruments today officially announced the increase, based on “administrative convenience” and effectiveness of the certificates.

It means the maximum age of the EPC provided in a home information pack is now three years.

The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) predicted the change will reduce the cost burden on builders and home owners who buy or sell a property that has changed hands frequently and who, in the past, often had to supply a new EPC for every sale.

RICS director of external affairs Gillian Childsworth said the change indicated the government could not prove short-term EPCs changed energy-efficiency behaviour.

“It shows the government recognises that a new EPC for every sale was disproportionate in terms of the cost and that they couldn’t establish a behavioural change driven by EPCs in short amounts of time,” she said.

“It indicates they wanted to show the public they are providing them with fresh information, but keeping it balanced with cost concerns.”

The committee said the validity would be under review for three years when it could be changed again, depending on evidence gathered.