Glossary definition
EPC (Energy Performance Certificate)
A certificate that rates the energy efficiency of a building on a scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient), required whenever a property is built, sold, or let. Since April 2018, it has been unlawful to grant a new tenancy of a property with an EPC rating below E, with proposals to raise the minimum to C for new tenancies.
Definition
A certificate that rates the energy efficiency of a building on a scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient), required whenever a property is built, sold, or let. Since April 2018, it has been unlawful to grant a new tenancy of a property with an EPC rating below E, with proposals to raise the minimum to C for new tenancies. EPC ratings are increasingly important in development appraisals as buyers and lenders factor in future regulatory requirements and the cost of achieving higher ratings.
See also
Closely related terms.
Building Regulations
The statutory standards that all building work in England and Wales must comply with, covering structural integrity, fire safety, energy efficiency, drainage, and accessibility.
Part L Compliance
The requirement to meet the energy efficiency standards set out in Part L of the Building Regulations, covering the conservation of fuel and power in buildings.
Practical Completion
The stage at which a building project is deemed complete and fit for its intended purpose, even though minor snagging items may remain.
Valuation
A professional assessment of a property's market value, carried out by a qualified surveyor for lending, investment, or transactional purposes.
Further reading
Guides that touch this term.
Guide
How Does Development Finance Work? A Complete Guide for UK Developers
A ground-up guide to how development finance is structured in the UK, covering loan mechanics, drawdown schedules, monitoring surveyors, and what lenders look for in your application.
5 min read readReadGuide
Legal Due Diligence in Development Finance: What Solicitors Check
Legal due diligence is the backbone of every development finance transaction. This guide explains what solicitors investigate, common issues that delay completions, and how to prepare your legal pack.
9 min read readReadGuide
UK Development Finance Market 2026: Rates, Trends and Outlook
A comprehensive overview of the UK development finance market in 2026, covering current interest rates, lender appetite, emerging trends, and what developers should expect over the coming 12 months.
9 min read readRead
Where it shows up
Finance products using this term.
Service
Development Finance
Senior debt funding for ground-up residential and commercial developments.
From 6.5% p.a. · Up to 65-70% LTGDVReadService
Refurbishment Finance
Funding for light and heavy refurbishment projects including conversions.
From 0.65% p.m. · Up to 75% LTVReadService
Commercial Mortgages
Long-term finance for commercial property acquisition and refinancing.
From 5.5% p.a. · Up to 75% LTVRead
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