Dear Jonathan,
I am thinking of putting my house on the market. I understand that I no longer need a Home Information Pack before I can do this. I thought I could put the house on the market without it costing me anything, but the estate agents tell me I still need an Energy Performance Certificate. Is this right?

You are correct that a Home Information Pack is no longer required before you can put your house on the market. The Government suspended the legislation with immediate effect from May 21, 2010. The requirement for an Energy Performance Certificate, which was one part of the HIP, however remains.

An Energy Performance Certificate rates the energy efficiency of your home with A-G ratings, similar to those you see on the front of washing machines and other white goods. Energy assessors produce the EPC together with a report which suggests how you can make the property more energy efficient.

This is a part of Europe-wide legislation which is aimed to help and reduce carbon emissions from buildings and help fight climate change.

The EPC has to be produced within 28 days of putting the house on the market.

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