EPC register Northern Ireland: find an EPC

EPC register Northern Ireland: how to search it

Every certificate goes onto a national register, where it is available to the public. The old EPC Register web address now takes you to the GOV.UK search.

1. Go to Find an energy certificate and pick the type of property.
2. You can search with a postcode, a street name and town, or a certificate number.
3. Choose the address, and its EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) will open.

To make sure the rules are followed, some certificate data may be shared. The government may use that data for research too.

EPC Northern Ireland rules: who needs one

In Northern Ireland, separate rules apply, and the Department of Finance is in charge of them. Here, the guidance for England and Wales doesn't apply.

A certificate has been needed for each home or business building since 30 December 2008, whenever it is built or offered for sale or rent. A Display Energy Certificate (DEC) must also be on show at large public buildings.

Each certificate must also list practical, cost effective improvements, and this has applied since 25 February 2014.

Buildings cause nearly 50 per cent of the UK's carbon emissions and energy use. A key aim of the rules is cutting the energy that buildings use.

Northern Ireland EPC: how long it lasts

Every certificate is valid for 10 years. In that period, you can use it as often as you like.

The seller gives you a copy when you buy a home. The certificate can be reused for a sale or rental while it is still valid. Check how long does an EPC last to find the end date.

Buyers, sellers and landlords

As owner or landlord, you must have a certificate if you're selling or letting to a new tenant. Make sure people considering a purchase or a rental can see it.

Give the new owner a copy once the sale is complete. There should be no charge for the certificate given to buyers and tenants.

A penalty charge notice can follow if you don't have one. The rules are enforced in Northern Ireland by district councils, and advice comes from your local council's building control team.

What the rating tells you

Ratings for buildings run from A to G. On the chart, A is very efficient and shows green, while G is inefficient and shows red.

Because every certificate uses the same standard information, you can compare homes fairly. A guide to heating and lighting costs is also included, so you can check them before signing a contract.

Lower fuel bills are likely with a higher rating. A report comes with each certificate and lists cost effective steps for improving it, such as better insulation or low energy bulbs. Every band is shown on EPC rating bands.

How to get a new certificate

A certificate can only be made by an assessor with the right approval. The assessor does the check on a visit to the property. You can use the find an assessor service on GOV.UK in Northern Ireland, England and Wales.

To find an assessor, you can search the Northern Ireland register too. Complain to the assessor first if you're unhappy with the work. Their scheme, whose details appear on the certificate, is the next step if that does not help.

The size of the property and the assessor you choose affect what you pay. You can book an EPC whenever you're ready.