Selling or letting a building as a whole

You require an EPC for the whole building, even if that building has parts designed or altered to be used separately with separate heating systems.

Selling or letting part of building, where the building has a common heating system

If a building has a common heating system, then the seller or prospective landlord can prepare (or make available) an EPC for the whole building or for a part designed or altered to be used separately.  The EPC will be based on the energy consumption of the building apportioned in relation to the area of the accommodation being offered. 

Buildings with separate parts and separate heating systems

An EPC should be prepared (or made available) for each part of a building that is being offered separately for selling or letting.  The EPC should reflect the services in those part(s) being offered for sale or let and will include a portion of the energy consumption of any common areas that exist solely or mainly for access to the part.

Residential accommodation

Any separate residential accommodation that is self-contained will require its own EPC (using SAP or RdSAP as appropriate). Residential space that can only be accessed via commercial premises (i.e. a house with a shop in a downstairs room or a shop with accommodation where the access is through the shop) will be assessed with the commercial premises as a single building (where SBEM is more appropriate).

Modifications to a building

If a building is modified to have more or less parts that are designed or altered to be used separately and the modification includes the provision or extension of heating, hot water, air conditioning or mechanical ventilation then an EPC for the building must be provided on completion of the work.