HIPs & EPCs Fact Sheet - continued

Exemptions etc.

Properties where there is no marketing (e.g. Private sales to a family member, neighbour, friend etc.)
Non-residential properties
Seasonal and holiday accommodation (if designated by planning)
Mixed sales (e.g. shop with flat, farm with farmhouse, etc)
Right to buy and similar sales
Sales of portfolios of properties
Properties not being sold with complete vacant possession (e.g. with a sitting tenant who will remain living in the property after the sale)
Unsafe properties and properties to be demolished
From 1st October 2008, private sales and the like, commercial sales and lettings and all new residential lettings do require EPCs. Commercial properties require EPCs to the more extensive commercial standard.

New homes marketed 'off-plan' before they are physically complete will not have a full Energy Performance Certificate as these can only be produced following a physical inspection of a completed building. In these cases, the HIP will contain a Predicted Energy Assessment. This must be upgraded to a full EPC before the property can be signed off.