{"id":5005,"date":"2026-01-29T15:03:32","date_gmt":"2026-01-29T15:03:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.welsh-cottages.co.uk\/blog\/?p=5005"},"modified":"2026-03-18T09:01:56","modified_gmt":"2026-03-18T09:01:56","slug":"energy-performance-certificates-for-holiday-lets-in-wales","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.welsh-cottages.co.uk\/blog\/energy-performance-certificates-for-holiday-lets-in-wales","title":{"rendered":"Energy Performance Certificates for Holiday Lets in Wales"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"color: #598d9d;\"><strong>If you own a holiday let in Mid, South and West Wales, you\u2019ve probably heard the term <em>EPC<\/em> mentioned more than once. But what does it actually mean for you as an owner, and why is it so important?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p>In this easy-to-read guide, we break down everything you need to know about Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs), with a focus on <em>holiday home EPC<\/em> requirements in the UK. From legal obligations to practical improvement tips, this blog is designed to help you stay compliant, protect your income, and future-proof your property.<\/p>\n<p><strong><em>Carry on reading for everything you need to know about holiday let EPC&#8230;<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<div style=\"border-left: 5px solid #598d9d; background-color: #f2f7fc; padding: 16px 18px; margin: 24px 0; border-radius: 6px; font-size: 16px;\">\n<p><strong style=\"color: #598d9d;\">\ud83d\udd17 Skip to&#8230;<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul style=\"margin: 12px 0 0 18px;\">\n<li><a style=\"text-decoration: none; color: #1a6f86;\" href=\"#what-is-an-energy-performance-certificate-epc\">What is an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a style=\"text-decoration: none; color: #1a6f86;\" href=\"#do-holiday-lets-in-wales-need-an-epc\">Do Holiday Lets in Wales Need an EPC?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a style=\"text-decoration: none; color: #1a6f86;\" href=\"#minimum-epc-rating-for-holiday-lets\">Minimum EPC Rating for Holiday Lets<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a style=\"text-decoration: none; color: #1a6f86;\" href=\"#how-long-does-a-holiday-home-epc-last\">How Long Does a Holiday Home EPC Last?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a style=\"text-decoration: none; color: #1a6f86;\" href=\"#how-to-get-an-epc-for-your-holiday-let\">How to Get an EPC for Your Holiday Let<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a style=\"text-decoration: none; color: #1a6f86;\" href=\"#improving-your-holiday-home-epc-rating\">Improving Your Holiday Home EPC Rating<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a style=\"text-decoration: none; color: #1a6f86;\" href=\"#how-coast-country-holidays-can-help\">How Coast &amp; Country Holidays Can Help<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a style=\"text-decoration: none; color: #1a6f86;\" href=\"#faq--holiday-home-epcs-for-wales\">FAQ \u2013 Holiday Home EPCs for Wales<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a style=\"text-decoration: none; color: #1a6f86;\" href=\"#next-steps-for-your-holiday-let\">Next Steps for Your Holiday Let<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<hr \/>\n<h2 id=\"what-is-an-energy-performance-certificate-epc\">What is an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)?<\/h2>\n<p>An <strong>Energy Performance Certificate<\/strong> measures how energy efficient a property is. It gives your holiday home a rating from <strong>A (most efficient)<\/strong> to <strong>G (least efficient)<\/strong> and includes:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>An overall energy efficiency rating<\/li>\n<li>An environmental impact rating<\/li>\n<li>Estimated energy costs<\/li>\n<li>Recommended improvements to boost efficiency<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>For holiday let owners, an EPC isn\u2019t just a piece of paperwork \u2013 it can directly affect whether you\u2019re legally allowed to let your property.<\/p>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-4957\" src=\"https:\/\/www.welsh-cottages.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2026\/01\/Untitled-design-3-1.png\" alt=\"Changing to a LED Bulb\" width=\"640\" height=\"420\" \/><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2 id=\"do-holiday-lets-in-wales-need-an-epc\">Do Holiday Lets in Wales Need an EPC?<\/h2>\n<p>In most cases, <strong>yes<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"363\" data-end=\"383\">If your property is:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-start=\"386\" data-end=\"413\">Let out as a holiday home<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"386\" data-end=\"413\">Rented for more than 31 days per year in total<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"386\" data-end=\"413\">Equipped with fixed heating, hot water, and electricity<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"526\" data-end=\"564\">\u2026then you\u2019ll usually need a valid EPC.<\/p>\n<h3>When an EPC may <em>not<\/em> be required<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"611\" data-end=\"632\">You may be exempt if:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-start=\"635\" data-end=\"720\">The property is let for fewer than 31 days per year and all bookings are short-term<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"635\" data-end=\"720\">There are no fixed heating systems<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"635\" data-end=\"720\">The building is classed as a temporary structure<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 data-section-id=\"1hacedt\" data-start=\"819\" data-end=\"854\">EPC exemptions for holiday lets<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"856\" data-end=\"948\">There are limited situations where a holiday let owner may be able to register an exemption:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-start=\"952\" data-end=\"1066\"><strong data-start=\"952\" data-end=\"975\">High-cost exemption<\/strong> \u2014 if recommended improvements would exceed the cost cap (currently \u00a33,500 including VAT)<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"952\" data-end=\"1066\"><strong data-start=\"1069\" data-end=\"1098\">Wall insulation exemption<\/strong> \u2014 if insulation would negatively impact the building<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"952\" data-end=\"1066\"><strong data-start=\"1156\" data-end=\"1177\">Consent exemption<\/strong> \u2014 where third-party consent (such as for listed buildings) has been refused<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"952\" data-end=\"1066\"><strong data-start=\"1258\" data-end=\"1283\">All improvements made<\/strong> \u2014 if you\u2019ve completed all recommended cost-effective works but the rating is still below E<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"1378\" data-end=\"1488\">All exemptions must be officially registered on the PRS Exemptions Register and typically last for five years.<\/p>\n<div style=\"border-left: 5px solid #598d9d; background-color: #f2f7fc; padding: 16px 18px; margin: 24px 0; border-radius: 6px; font-size: 16px;\"><strong style=\"color: #598d9d;\">\ud83d\udca1 Top tip:<\/strong><br \/>\nEPC rules and exemptions can be complex. If you\u2019re unsure, it\u2019s always best to seek advice rather than risk non-compliance.<\/div>\n<hr \/>\n<h2 id=\"minimum-epc-rating-for-holiday-lets\">Minimum EPC Rating for Holiday Lets<\/h2>\n<p>Currently, holiday lets in England and Wales must have a minimum EPC rating of <strong>E<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>If your holiday property is rated <strong>F or G<\/strong>, you:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Cannot legally let it (unless exempt)<\/li>\n<li>May face fines of up to \u00a35,000<\/li>\n<li>Risk losing bookings and owner income<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>And looking ahead, the rules are tightening.<\/p>\n<h3>Future EPC changes<\/h3>\n<p>The UK Government has proposed raising the minimum EPC rating to <strong>C<\/strong> in the coming years. While timelines may change, improving your energy efficiency now can save you money and stress later.<\/p>\n<p><em>Make sure you&#8217;re up to date with holiday let regulations by heading to our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.welsh-cottages.co.uk\/blog\/holiday-let-regulations\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Comprehensive Guide to Holiday Let Regulations in Wales.<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-4891\" src=\"https:\/\/www.welsh-cottages.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2025\/12\/blog-9.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" \/><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2 id=\"how-long-does-a-holiday-home-epc-last\">How Long Does a Holiday Home EPC Last?<\/h2>\n<p>An EPC is valid for <strong>10 years<\/strong>, unless:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li>You make significant energy-related changes to the property<\/li>\n<li>New regulations come into force that affect your rating<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div style=\"border-left: 5px solid #598d9d; background-color: #f2f7fc; padding: 16px 18px; margin: 24px 0; border-radius: 6px; font-size: 16px;\"><strong style=\"color: #598d9d;\">\ud83d\udca1 Top tip:<\/strong><br \/>\nEven if your EPC is still valid, updating it after improvements can improve your rating and future-proof your let.<\/div>\n<div>\n<hr \/>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<h2 id=\"how-to-get-an-epc-for-your-holiday-let\">How to Get an EPC for Your Holiday Let<\/h2>\n<p>To get a holiday home EPC, you\u2019ll need to:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Book a qualified domestic energy assessor<\/li>\n<li>Arrange access to the property<\/li>\n<li>Receive your EPC report and recommendations<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>The cost typically ranges from <strong>\u00a360\u2013\u00a3120<\/strong>, depending on property size and location.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4515\" src=\"https:\/\/www.welsh-cottages.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2025\/07\/6-640x427.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.welsh-cottages.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2025\/07\/6-640x427.png 640w, https:\/\/www.welsh-cottages.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2025\/07\/6-1024x683.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.welsh-cottages.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2025\/07\/6-768x512.png 768w, https:\/\/www.welsh-cottages.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2025\/07\/6-1536x1025.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.welsh-cottages.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2025\/07\/6.png 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2 id=\"improving-your-holiday-home-epc-rating\">Improving Your Holiday Home EPC Rating<\/h2>\n<p>Boosting your EPC rating doesn\u2019t have to mean a full renovation. Many improvements are cost-effective and guest-friendly.<\/p>\n<h3>Simple upgrades that make a big difference<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Loft and wall insulation<\/li>\n<li>Energy-efficient lighting (LEDs)<\/li>\n<li>Modern, efficient boilers or heating systems<\/li>\n<li>Smart thermostats and heating controls<\/li>\n<li>Double or triple glazing<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><em>Head to our helpful guide <a href=\"https:\/\/www.welsh-cottages.co.uk\/blog\/energy-saving-ideas-for-your-south-wales-holiday-let\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Energy Saving Ideas for your South Wales Holiday Let<\/a> for more tips and tricks. <\/em><\/p>\n<div style=\"border-left: 5px solid #598d9d; background-color: #f2f7fc; padding: 16px 18px; margin: 24px 0; border-radius: 6px; font-size: 16px;\"><strong style=\"color: #598d9d;\">\ud83d\udca1 Top tip:<\/strong><br \/>\nEPC assessors often recommend improvements that qualify for grants or long-term savings \u2013 always read the full report.<\/div>\n<div><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-4956\" src=\"https:\/\/www.welsh-cottages.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2026\/01\/Untitled-design-2-1.png\" alt=\"Smart Home Tablet\" width=\"640\" height=\"420\" \/><\/div>\n<div>\n<hr \/>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"how-coast-country-holidays-can-help\">How Coast &amp; Country Holidays Can Help<\/h2>\n<p>At <strong>Coast &amp; Country Holidays<\/strong>, we understand that keeping on top of regulations like EPCs can feel overwhelming \u2013 especially when you\u2019re managing a holiday let across Mid, South or West Wales.<\/p>\n<p>That\u2019s why we support our owners by:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Reminding you when your EPC is due to expire<\/li>\n<li>Advising on minimum EPC requirements for holiday lets in Wales<\/li>\n<li>Helping you understand exemptions and future rule changes<\/li>\n<li>Supporting you to stay compliant and protect your income<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Our experienced local teams know the Welsh holiday let market inside out, so you\u2019re never on your own when it comes to EPCs and compliance.<\/p>\n<p><em>Learn more about how working with an agency can help you, in our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.welsh-cottages.co.uk\/blog\/a-guide-to-holiday-let-management-in-wales\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Guide to Holiday Let Management.<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2 id=\"faq--holiday-home-epcs-for-wales\" data-start=\"194\" data-end=\"230\">FAQ \u2013 Holiday Home EPCs for Wales<\/h2>\n<h3 data-start=\"232\" data-end=\"284\">1. How do I arrange an EPC for my holiday let?<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"285\" data-end=\"509\">Book a qualified domestic energy assessor, arrange access to your property, and they will provide a full EPC report with recommendations. Most assessments cost between <strong data-start=\"453\" data-end=\"465\">\u00a360\u2013\u00a3120<\/strong>, depending on property size and location.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"516\" data-end=\"579\">2. Can improving my EPC qualify me for grants or savings?<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"580\" data-end=\"782\">Yes! Many EPC-recommended improvements, like insulation or modern heating systems, can qualify for government grants or long-term energy savings. Always check the assessor\u2019s recommendations carefully.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"789\" data-end=\"834\">3. Will EPC rules change in the future?<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"835\" data-end=\"1074\">The UK Government has proposed raising the minimum EPC rating to <strong data-start=\"900\" data-end=\"905\">C<\/strong> for rental properties, including holiday lets. While exact timelines are not final, improving your property\u2019s efficiency now can save money and future-proof your let.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"192\" data-end=\"254\">4. How do EPC ratings affect bookings or guest interest?<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"255\" data-end=\"554\">While EPCs are primarily about compliance, a higher rating can make your holiday let more appealing to eco-conscious guests. Properties with better energy efficiency often attract positive reviews and repeat bookings because they are warmer, more comfortable and look after the planet.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"255\" data-end=\"554\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-4911\" src=\"https:\/\/www.welsh-cottages.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2025\/12\/16.png\" alt=\"dog outside a pod\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" \/><\/p>\n<div contenteditable=\"false\">\n<hr \/>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"next-steps-for-your-holiday-let\">Next Steps for Your Holiday Let<\/h2>\n<p>Staying on top of your holiday home EPC is an essential part of running a successful holiday let in Mid, South and West Wales. With the right information, a few smart upgrades, and support from Coast &amp; Country Holidays, compliance doesn\u2019t have to be complicated.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re unsure about your EPC, your rating, or what steps to take next, our team is always happy to help.<\/p>\n<p><em>Owning a holiday let should be rewarding \u2013 and we\u2019re here to make sure it stays that way.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong><span class=\"TextRun SCXW168071945 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW168071945 BCX8\">For more information about letting your cottage with us, complete the form below to request contact from our team.\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW168071945 BCX8\">You&#8217;ll<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW168071945 BCX8\">\u00a0also receive a copy of our FREE Owner Guide.<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW168071945 BCX8\" data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<div style=\"margin-top: -25px; margin-bottom: 20px;\"><script type=\"text\/javascript\" src=\"https:\/\/sykescottages.jotform.com\/jsform\/253063706513957\"><\/script><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n  \"mainEntity\": [\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"How do I arrange an EPC for my holiday let?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"Book a qualified domestic energy assessor, arrange access to your property, and they will provide a full EPC report with recommendations. Most assessments cost between \u00a360\u2013\u00a3120, depending on property size and location.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"Can improving my EPC qualify me for grants or savings?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"Yes! Many EPC-recommended improvements, like insulation or modern heating systems, can qualify for government grants or long-term energy savings. Always check the assessor\u2019s recommendations carefully.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"Will EPC rules change in the future?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"The UK Government has proposed raising the minimum EPC rating to C for rental properties, including holiday lets. 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In this easy-to-read guide, we break down everything you need to know about Energy Performance Certificates [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":189,"featured_media":4907,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1537],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5005","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-owner","location-wales"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.welsh-cottages.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5005","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.welsh-cottages.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.welsh-cottages.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.welsh-cottages.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/189"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.welsh-cottages.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5005"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.welsh-cottages.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5005\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5091,"href":"https:\/\/www.welsh-cottages.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5005\/revisions\/5091"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.welsh-cottages.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4907"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.welsh-cottages.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5005"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.welsh-cottages.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5005"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.welsh-cottages.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5005"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}