Do I need an EPC?

You need an EPC when:

• applying for a completion certificate for a new property.

• selling a property.

• renting a property to a new tenant (including short term and holiday lets).

As of mid-2026 EPC validity will be reduced from 10 years to 5 years.

Are there any exemptions?

Yes, there are certain types of buildings that do not need an EPC.

These are:

• standalone buildings (other than homes) with a useful floor area of less than 50 square metres.

• temporary buildings which are planned to be used for 2 years or less.

• buildings with a low energy demand (non-residential agricultural buildings or workshops).

• buildings sold to be demolished.

Are there minimum EPC requirements for homes in Scotland?

As with the majority of properties in Scotland, a residential property will require an EPC at the point of sale or lease. Currently, there are no minimum energy standards applying to residential properties whether rented or owned and no restrictions regarding the type of heating systems which can be installed or operated in them. As part of the journey to net zero, however, the Scottish Government proposes to change that in both the rented and owned residential sectors.

However, as part of a draft bill containing the powers to create a new Heat in Buildings Standard, it has announced that all private landlords will need to meet a minimum EPC rating by the end of 2028, while owner occupiers will need to meet the same standard by the end of 2033. By the end of 2045, all building owners will need to have ended their use of polluting heating.

What is involved in an EPC inspection?

We look at a range of different metrics to determine how efficient your property is and all of these are put together to create a final Energy Performance Certificate. During our inspection we look at:

• Age, size and style of property.

• Loft insulation and wall insulation.

• Lighting.

• Heating and hot water systems.

• Window style, size, age and efficiency.

• Any PV or turbines present.