EPC Guides

EPC Register: How to Search & Find Your Property's Energy Rating

21 December 2026
7 min read
By Home Checkup Team

Quick Answer: The EPC Register is the official UK government database containing Energy Performance Certificates for over 28 million properties. You can search it for free using our tool below - just enter any postcode or address.

What is the EPC Register?

The EPC Register (also known as the Energy Performance Certificate Register) is the official UK government database that stores energy performance certificates for domestic and commercial properties across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Scotland has a separate register.

Every time a property is built, sold, or rented, an Energy Performance Certificate must be lodged on this register. The data is publicly accessible, meaning anyone can look up a property's energy efficiency rating.

Key Fact: The EPC Register contains over 28 million certificates, covering the majority of UK properties. EPCs are valid for 10 years from the date of issue.

Search the EPC Register

Use our free search tool to find EPC certificates for any UK property. Simply enter a postcode or address to view:

  • Current EPC rating (A to G scale)
  • Energy efficiency score (1-100)
  • Estimated energy costs per year
  • Potential rating with improvements
  • Environmental impact rating
  • Recommended improvements with cost estimates

🔍 Free EPC Register Search

Search our database of 28.7M+ UK properties

Search EPC Register →

What Information is on an EPC?

An Energy Performance Certificate contains detailed information about a property's energy efficiency:

Energy Efficiency Rating (A-G)

The main rating displayed on every EPC, ranging from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient):

  • A (92-100): Most efficient - typically new builds with solar panels
  • B (81-91): Very efficient - well-insulated modern homes
  • C (69-80): Good - government target for rental properties
  • D (55-68): Average - typical UK property
  • E (39-54): Below average - current minimum for rentals
  • F (21-38): Poor - cannot be legally rented
  • G (1-20): Very poor - major improvements needed

Property Details

EPCs also record key property characteristics:

  • Property type (house, flat, bungalow, etc.)
  • Total floor area in square metres
  • Construction date/age band
  • Number of habitable rooms
  • Wall, roof, and floor construction types
  • Window glazing type
  • Heating system details
  • Hot water system

Cost Estimates

Every EPC provides estimated running costs for:

  • Heating costs per year
  • Hot water costs per year
  • Lighting costs per year
  • Total estimated energy costs

Why Search the EPC Register?

Buying a Property

Before purchasing, check the EPC to understand:

  • Likely energy bills you'll pay
  • What improvements may be needed
  • The potential to improve efficiency
  • Whether the property meets minimum standards

Renting a Property

Landlords must provide an EPC to tenants. The register helps you:

  • Verify the property meets minimum E rating
  • Estimate your monthly energy costs
  • Compare energy efficiency across properties

Selling Your Property

You legally need a valid EPC to market your property. Check if your existing certificate is still valid (within 10 years) or if you need a new one.

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How Long is an EPC Valid?

EPCs are valid for 10 years from the date of issue. After this, you'll need a new assessment if you want to sell or rent the property.

However, you may want to get a new EPC sooner if you've made significant energy efficiency improvements, as this could result in a better rating.

EPC Requirements for Landlords

If you're a landlord, there are strict legal requirements around EPCs:

Current Law: Rental properties must have a minimum EPC rating of E. Properties rated F or G cannot be legally let, with fines up to £5,000 for non-compliance.

Future Changes: The government has proposed raising the minimum to C for new tenancies. Landlords should plan ahead for potential upgrades.

Learn more in our detailed guide: EPC Requirements for Landlords 2026

How to Improve Your EPC Rating

If your property has a low EPC rating, there are many ways to improve it:

Quick Wins (Under £500)

  • Draught-proofing doors and windows
  • LED lighting throughout
  • Loft insulation top-up
  • Hot water cylinder jacket
  • Smart thermostat installation

Major Improvements (£1,000+)

  • Cavity wall insulation
  • Double or triple glazing
  • Modern condensing boiler
  • Solar panels
  • Heat pump installation

See our complete guide: How to Improve Your EPC Rating

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the EPC Register free to search?

Yes, the official EPC Register and our search tool are completely free to use. You can look up any property without charge.

Why can't I find my property on the EPC Register?

Your property may not appear if:

  • It has never been sold or rented since EPCs became mandatory (2007)
  • It's a new build that hasn't been registered yet
  • The address was entered differently when the EPC was lodged

How do I get an EPC for my property?

You need to book an assessment with a qualified Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA). They will visit your property, assess its energy efficiency, and lodge the certificate on the register.

🏠 Book Your EPC Assessment

Qualified assessors available nationwide. EPCs from £65 with fast turnaround.

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Can I challenge an EPC rating?

If you believe your EPC is inaccurate, you can request a review or get a new assessment from a different assessor. Common reasons for inaccurate ratings include missed insulation or incorrect property details.

Related Services

When dealing with property energy efficiency, you may also need:

Summary

The EPC Register is an essential resource for anyone buying, selling, or renting property in the UK. Use our free search tool to check any property's energy rating, understand likely running costs, and see what improvements could boost efficiency.

Whether you're a homeowner wanting to reduce bills, a buyer researching properties, or a landlord ensuring compliance, the EPC Register provides the information you need.

Related Articles

Data Sources: EPC data is sourced from the official UK Energy Performance Certificate Register under the Open Government Licence. This article contains affiliate links - we may earn commission from service referrals at no cost to you.

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EPC Register: How to Search & Find Your Property's Energy Rating