What is an EPC?

An Energy Performance Certificate or EPC is the report product of an energy survey that is carried out by a qualified Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA). The certificate provides two separate ratings to indicate the overall efficiency of the property and the associated CO2 impact. The certificate also includes instructions on how to improve the overall energy efficiency of the property.

How long does the EPC survey take?

Typically a home energy survey will take between 30 minutes to an hour depending on the size and structure of the property.

What is the assessment procedure?

Initially a complete set of dimensions will be taken for the property to determine the floor plan area. Access to all rooms is required to assess the radiators, glazing and lighting. The energy assessor will also make a visual inspection of the loft space to establish the type of roof insulation used. Any secondary heating and water systems will also be identified and supporting pictures will be taken of each room. The photographs taken will not be published in the final certificate and are only used for audit purposes.

Are our Energy Assessors Accredited?

Yes. All of our surveyors are fully accredited Domestic Energy Assessors. On request we can provide the DEA's accreditation number for you to independently verify this.

Will I still require an EPC if the property is being rented?

All landlords in England and Wales have to make an EPC available to any prospective tenant free of charge.

Do I need to lift floor boards or roof panels?

No. The Energy Assessor will make all reasonable efforts to visually inspect each of the required areas of assessment. Where this is not physically possible or in circumstances where this could be deemed to present risk to the assessor a predicted or assumed value will be used.

Will my energy bills be taken into account?

The Energy Assessor will compile information about the features of the property to establish an estimated cost for gas and electric. This will not take into account previous bills and is irrespective of personal usage, this enables the figure to be benchmarked against similar properties.

Will the price vary depending on the size of the property?

Our pricing is linked to where your property is located in the UK not the size. We have a team of in house and consultants qualified surveyors and energy assessors across the UK and now have 100% coverage of England and Wales. Certain areas may be more expensive depending on availability.

Can the EPC be used within a Home Information Pack?

Yes the EPC can be used within a HIP Providing the EPC is commissioned within 12 months of the date the certificate is published.

How long is the EPC valid for?

On rental properties the EPC will be valid for 10 years.

What is a HIP?

• Home Information Packs (HIPs) have been introduced to improve the home buying and selling process, and every home put on the market must have one.
• A HIP is a professionally prepared set of key documents about a property and includes title plans and proof of ownership, search information on planning, building and environmental matters, and a property information questionnaire completed by the seller.
• By law, a HIP must include an Energy Performance Certificate, which gives advice on how to cut CO2 emissions and reduce fuel costs in the property. A more detailed survey report can also be included, reducing the risk of “nasty surprises”, which can delay or prevent a sale proceeding.
• By having all the necessary information at the start of the buying process, buyers are able to make an informed choice and proceed with confidence.

Do HIPs Speed up home moving?

Yes

By combining your HIP with our FAST EXCHANGE scheme sales can be completed 3-4 quicker weeks than the old industry way.

What’s in the Hip?

In brief the pack contains:

• An index (i.e. a list of the contents of the HIP)
• A sale statement (summarising the terms of sale)
• Evidence of title
• Standard searches (i.e. local authority enquiries and a drainage and water search)
• An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
• Property Information Questionnaire (PIQ)
• Commonhold information (where appropriate)

A copy of the lease (where appropriate)

Do HIPs vary?

• The law requires only a limited amount of “must-have” information be included in a HIP.
• This is rarely enough for buyers to proceed straight away without making further checks and enquiries, which can lead to problems and delays.
• My - Surve HIPs are flexible and can incorporate extra information where required.
• Our HIPs are designed to link in with the legal side of moving through our FAST EXCHANGE scheme. It’s by working closely with your property lawyer; we can make your home move faster and less stressful.

Why should I have a property surveyed?

Buying a house is a major investment.
One that you really need to make an informed decision about.
Having a professional survey report is essential to identify if there are any major problems you need to know about before you buy.

Do survey reports vary?

Yes we offer 2 types of survey report:

Property Protection Pack (with £50,000 Hidden Defects Insurance)

Home Condition Survey

What is a Property Protection Pack?

• Low cost entry level condition survey and audit report on the property  to include our Property Healthcare Report
• Hidden Defects Insurance (up to £50,000)
• Covers main structural elements of your property including:
• Chimney Stacks
• Roof
• Wall Structures
• Floor Structures
• Damp and Beetle Infestation

What is a Home Condition Survey?

A comprehensive survey report

Your Home Condition Survey will:

• Identify any major problems with the home you are buying
• Highlight any hidden areas of possible concern that need further investigation
• Give you a simple 1,2,3 condition rating of all key elements of the property
• Deliver a comprehensive and jargon-free report
• Help you plan for the future expenditure
• Be carried out by accredited and comprehensively insured surveyors

Your Home Condition Survey will tell you about:

• Building condition and defects
• Any structural movement
• Damp, rot and woodworm
• Heating and electrical services
• Alterations
• Drains
• Environmental issues
• The reinstatement cost you need for building insurance

Conveyancing – taking care of the legal side of moving

In order to take care of the legal side of moving we have partnered with  My Home Move the market leader in e-conveyancing throughout the UK.

What is Fast Exchange ?

Fast Exchange is an enhanced sale conveyancing product which, when combined with our Home Information Pack and a quick return of key documentation will give you the best possible chance of a fast exchange.

How does it work ?

As soon as you register with Fast Exchange,  key legal work is produced upfront.

What does this mean?

When you receive an offer, we are ready to move!
We want to get you to ‘exchange of contracts’ as soon as possible. This means that the buyer has legally committed to buy, and the seller has legally committed to sell – the point of no return!
Draft contracts are produced within 24 hours of receiving formal confirmation of your sale.

How does MyHomeMove work?

MyHomeMove is open when you need us most. 8-8 in the week, and at weekends!

You’ll have your own personal case handler who’ll be with you every step of the way.

We’ll keep you updated to make sure you are happy with everything that’s going on – and if you need to speak to us, you can phone, email or fax!
You can also check the progress of your case – 24/7