Energy Performance Certificate

[sir.prize]

I understand that an EPC is required when selling a residential or commercial property. It will need to be passed to the new owner or tenant upon completion of sale. However, my question is:

Is an EPC necessary when the commercial property owner is selling the business but not the property?

His intention is to sell the business and then use the property for a change of use.

Thank you for any advice.

[woofgang]

so what physically is he selling? I understand that the EPC only applies to real estate and not to plant or vehicles.

[sir.prize]

Thanks for the reply woofgang. He has shop premises selling radios etc. He is selling the business and stock but retaining the property. A buyer will take the business including goodwill and open up elsewhere.

Meanwhile, an Estate Agent says an EPC is required before the business is marketed. This is being disputed as it is considered the EPC relates to a property and not a business. However confirmation cannot be found on the Internet.

[woofgang]

Ask the estate agent how he's going to do an EPC on a bunch of stock, a business name and a ton of goodwill...then tell him to persist off and employ someone else who knows their job. Why does he need an estate agent?

[woofgang]

EPC's are only required on BUILDINGS....if he's not selling the building he DOES NOT need an epc....nowhere can i find anywhere that says that EPC's are required to sell businesses where there is no real estate included.

[sir.prize]

Thanks for your efforts woofgang. Confirms what we thought. Will be looking elsewhere for professional help.

[woofgang]

good idea!

[Old_Geezer]

This sort of paperwork is still being demanded ? I thought all this stinging the seller for useless paperwork had been done away with. Surely the government isn't still insisting on that sort of con ? No wonder i'm never keen to move house.

[sir.prize]

Oh yes it still exists - an Energy Performance Certificate is will become a 'must have'; and a property owner’s premises will become un-marketable without one by 2018.

[chas2008]

im with you old_geezer, bigest waste of time and money,when finally finding the property of your dreams are you going to back out as it has a poor energy rating ? i doubt it.
The most stupidest one is when i sat in a hospital waiting room and saw the EPC on the wall , apparently it costs a fortune to be assessed and a £5,000 fine if its not displayed, lets be honest the last thing on your mind when in hospital is going to be the energy rating,perhaps you are supposed to find the most energy efficient hospital before you become ill or have an accident.