EPC cost
You'll typically see an EPC cost of £65 to £120 for a home. Flats and smaller homes tend to fall at the cheaper end of that range.
- what a home EPC usually costs
- £65 to £120
- average paid by home movers, based on their quotes
- £65
- how many years one EPC is valid
- 10 years
How much does an EPC cost?
No national price is fixed, because assessors choose their own fees. The usual range from Checkatrade is £65 to £120, and homes that are bigger or in pricier areas often cost more.
An average of around £65 is what HomeOwners Alliance reports. Reallymoving's data, drawn from quotes by 181,000 home movers, is the source of that figure.
One EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) stays valid for 10 years. Spread across those years, the fee is quite small.
EPC cost UK: real quotes by town
In October 2026, HomeOwners Alliance checked quotes across sample homes, covering the North East down to South Wales. The quotes ran between £44 and £104.
Quotes for the same home can vary a lot, so it's wise to compare several.
| Example home | Quotes |
|---|---|
| 1-bed flat, Middlesbrough | £49 to £84 |
| 3-bed house, Leeds | £44 to £56 |
| 3-bed house, Manchester | £50 to £100 |
| 3-bed house, Birmingham | £56 to £61 |
| 2-bed flat, Cambridge | £80 to £90 |
| 4-bed house, Bedfordshire | £58 to £100 |
| 2-bed house, London | £50 to £104 |
| 2-bed house, Bristol | £60 to £90 |
| 3-bed house, Cardiff | £45 to £56 |
What changes the EPC certificate cost
How much an assessment costs depends on the assessor and the property's size, says GOV.UK. A few further reasons come up in price guides.
- size: larger homes need more time to assess
- type: homes that are older or unusual may need a longer inspection
- location: big cities and London often charge more
- timing: weekend, evening or urgent visits can cost extra
- booking route: going through an estate agent might cost more than booking an assessor directly
What the fee should cover
What you pay covers the certificate plus a visit from an accredited assessor. Check these points while you compare quotes.
- the full price, including VAT plus any admin or booking fee
- how quickly the assessor can come to you
- the wait between the visit and getting the certificate
- if an urgent slot comes with an extra charge
What the fee buys you
In a smaller home, the visit often takes about 30 minutes to an hour. Homes that are larger or more complex take more time.
Your certificate rates the home from A to G. It also lists a rough cost and a typical saving for each way to improve it, along with the rating that upgrade could bring.
How to spend less
Start by searching the find an energy certificate service for an old certificate. You may not have to pay anything if the certificate you hold is still valid.
If you're selling, find out what your agent charges, then weigh that against a direct booking. In one go, you can book an EPC and compare quotes near you.
When a new EPC is worth the money
Improving your home doesn't force you to replace a valid EPC. HomeOwners Alliance says a new certificate can still be worth it if a better rating is expected before you sell or let.
Changes in June 2025 mean assessors now note down more detail, things like the glazing type and the model of the boiler. That's why you should keep invoices and guarantees for any work, since the rating now leans on that paperwork more.
What EPCs cost in Scotland
The Scottish Government explains that no standard cost exists for an EPC. Its advice is to get quotes from a few assessors near you.
Lodging a home EPC with the Scottish register costs more from 31 October 2026: the fee rises from £2.60 to £6.00. The rest of the rules are covered in EPCs in Scotland.
What it costs to go without one
You can face a £200 fixed penalty if you market a home without an EPC. Each advert that leaves out the rating can also draw a fine of that size.
EPCs required under the 2030 rule count within the £10,000 cap on spending for landlords. Use the 2030 landlord check to see if the rule applies to you.
Common questions about EPC cost
When you sell a house, who pays for an EPC?
The seller usually pays. You can use an existing valid EPC rather than paying again.
Is the EPC cheaper if the home is a flat?
Usually. Flats and smaller homes tend to fall near the bottom of the £65 to £120 range.
Is an EPC cheaper if you go through an estate agent?
Not always. Your agent makes booking easy, but you may pay more than if you booked an assessor yourself.
After home improvements, do I need to pay for a new EPC?
No. A valid EPC can stay in place after improvements, though a new certificate may rate the home better.
How much time does an EPC assessment need?
For a smaller home, expect around 30 minutes to an hour. Larger or more complex homes take longer.