Domestic Energy Assessors (DEAs) and Home Inspectors (HIs) are the only persons permitted to issue EPC certificates for existing domestic dwellings. It is therefore necessary to engage either a DEA or HI to conduct an energy assessment of your property.

An EPC is valid for up to 10 years. . . . BUT. . .

This will generally only be true in the case of rental properties but, even here, there are instances where validity is dependent upon other factors - for example - if a newer EPC is issued because a building is divided into smaller dwellings.

In the case of properties for sale, the EPC must be under 3 months old when first put up 'for sale', . It remains valid only

• If the dwelling remains continuously 'for sale' or
• if the dwelling is taken off, then put back 'for sale' but the EPC still remains under 12 months old