Not every EPC is assessed the same way. Domestic and commercial properties use different methodologies, different qualified assessors, and different price bands, here’s how to tell which one your property needs.
Domestic EPC (RdSAP)
Domestic assessments cover houses, flats, and maisonettes, and use the RdSAP (Reduced Data Standard Assessment Procedure) method. It’s the quicker and more affordable of the two, typically taking 30 to 90 minutes on site depending on the size of the property. A domestic EPC is commonly required when selling or letting a residential property, and is valid for 10 years from the date of issue. Rental minimum energy efficiency rules also vary by UK nation, so what counts as an acceptable rating for a rental property differs between England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
Commercial EPC (SBEM)
Commercial properties, shops, offices, industrial units, and mixed use buildings, are assessed using SBEM (Simplified Building Energy Model) instead. SBEM accounts for the building’s services, zoning, and usage pattern in more detail than RdSAP, which is why commercial assessments generally take longer and cost more, and must be carried out by an assessor specifically accredited for non domestic work.
Why the distinction matters for pricing
Because commercial assessments are priced by floor area rather than bedroom count, a small office might cost from £250, while a larger unit spanning several hundred square metres will run into four figures. Domestic pricing, by contrast, scales with property size band, from £89.99 for a studio flat up to £149.99 for a five bedroom house in London.
Which one do you need?
If you’re unsure whether your property counts as domestic or commercial, mixed use buildings can be a grey area, it’s worth checking before booking. Get in touch for a quote and we’ll confirm the right assessment type and an exact price for your property.