Question 1

What is an EPC?

Accepted Answer

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rates a property's energy efficiency from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). It's a legal requirement before selling or letting any property in the UK and is valid for 10 years.

Question 2

How much does an EPC cost?

Accepted Answer

Domestic EPC assessments start from £60 for a studio or 1-bed flat, £65 for a 2-bed, £70 for a 3-bed house, £75 for a 4-bed, and £90 for 5-bed+ properties. The price includes the on-site assessment, lodgement to the government register, and your improvement recommendations report.

Question 3

How long does an EPC assessment take?

Accepted Answer

Most residential properties take between 30 and 60 minutes depending on property size and type. The assessor will inspect all energy-related elements including insulation, heating, glazing, lighting and ventilation.

Question 4

How quickly will I get my EPC certificate?

Accepted Answer

We typically lodge a completed EPC to the government's energy certificate service within 24 hours of the assessment. You'll receive the certificate once it has been lodged.

Question 5

What EPC rating do I need to rent my property?

Accepted Answer

Currently, privately rented properties covered by the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) must generally be EPC E or above, unless a valid exemption applies. The government has set a longer-term direction toward higher energy-efficiency standards for privately rented homes, but EPC C is not the current minimum legal rating. Check the current rules and any property-specific exemption before letting.

Question 6

How long is an EPC valid for?

Accepted Answer

An Energy Performance Certificate is valid for 10 years from the date of issue. You only need a new one if the property has undergone significant energy-related changes or if the existing certificate has expired.

Question 7

What happens during an EPC assessment?

Accepted Answer

A DEA-qualified assessor visits your property and conducts an RdSAP assessment. This involves inspecting the property's construction, insulation, heating system, glazing, lighting, and ventilation. No invasive work is carried out — it's a visual inspection only.

Question 8

What is a retrofit assessment?

Accepted Answer

A retrofit assessment is a whole-house survey carried out to the PAS 2035 standard. Unlike an EPC which gives a current rating, a retrofit assessment gathers broader information about the dwelling — construction, condition, occupancy, ventilation and existing services — and forms part of the wider PAS 2035 retrofit process where PAS 2035 applies. Retrofit coordination and design are separate stages.

Question 9

What grants are available for energy improvements?

Accepted Answer

Current routes include the Warm Homes: Local Grant, ECO4 (running until 31 December 2026) and the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. Eligibility, measures and funding levels vary by scheme, household, property and local delivery arrangements. The Great British Insulation Scheme ended on 31 March 2026 and is no longer open to new applications.

Question 10

Is the retrofit assessment covered by the grant?

Accepted Answer

Grant eligibility depends on the specific scheme, household circumstances and property criteria, and is assessed by the scheme — not by Skyline. We cannot guarantee that the assessment cost will be covered. If you are seeking grant-funded improvements, contact us before booking a private assessment so we can help you understand the options.

Question 11

Do I need a retrofit assessment if I already have an EPC?

Accepted Answer

They serve different purposes. An EPC is a snapshot of current performance. A retrofit assessment gathers broader whole-dwelling information and forms part of the wider PAS 2035 process where applicable. Funded schemes have their own eligibility and delivery requirements — a privately commissioned assessment is not normally a prerequisite to applying.

Question 12

What is PAS 2035?

Accepted Answer

PAS 2035 is a UK framework for the assessment, design and management of domestic retrofit. It is used by many funded retrofit programmes, but the exact technical and delivery requirements depend on the scheme and project.

Question 13

What's the difference between RICS Level 1 and Level 2?

Accepted Answer

RICS Level 1 is a concise overview of a property's condition and is generally suited to more conventional properties where a lower level of detail is appropriate. RICS Level 2 provides a more detailed condition survey with defect observations and advice. Skyline arranges the professional surveying service through an appropriately RICS-qualified surveying professional.

Question 14

How much does a RICS survey cost?

Accepted Answer

RICS Level 1 survey services arranged through Skyline start from £250 and Level 2 services start from £395. The exact price depends on the property and selected survey level.

Question 15

Do I need a survey if I'm getting a mortgage valuation?

Accepted Answer

A mortgage valuation is prepared for the lender and is not the same as a condition survey. If you want independent information about the property's condition and defects, a separate home survey may be appropriate. The survey level should reflect the property's age, type and condition.

Question 16

What is the DigiProp digital capture?

Accepted Answer

Skyline can use a DigiProps-enabled digital property capture process, including 360-degree imagery, to support the survey workflow. Where included in the booked service, the digital capture provides a visual property record alongside the professional survey.

Question 17

How long does the survey take?

Accepted Answer

Inspection and reporting times depend on the property and selected survey level. The expected attendance and report turnaround are confirmed as part of the booking.

Question 18

What is a property inventory?

Accepted Answer

A property inventory is a detailed record of the condition and contents of a rental property at a particular point in the tenancy. It can include written room-by-room descriptions, photographs, cleanliness observations, meter readings where accessible and key records where included in the service. It provides useful evidence if condition is later disputed.

Question 19

Why do I need a professional inventory?

Accepted Answer

A detailed inventory creates a clear record of the property's condition at the start of the tenancy. Written descriptions and photographic evidence may assist landlords, tenants and adjudicators if the condition of the property is later disputed.

Question 20

How often should I inspect my rental property?

Accepted Answer

Inspection frequency depends on the tenancy, property, management policy and any contractual terms. Many landlords choose periodic inspections during a tenancy to identify maintenance issues early. Access should always be arranged in line with the tenancy and applicable notice requirements.

Question 21

What are the landlord EPC compliance rules?

Accepted Answer

Currently, privately rented properties covered by MEES must generally be EPC E or above, unless a valid exemption applies. The government is moving toward higher future energy-efficiency standards, but EPC C is not the current minimum legal rating. Current GOV.UK guidance states that domestic MEES financial penalties can total up to £5,000 per property.

Question 22

How much does a 360° virtual tour cost?

Accepted Answer

Standard 360° virtual tours for 1-3 bed properties start from £90. Larger properties (4+ bed) are £120. HMO and multi-room properties are £150. All tours include the DigiProp digital twin, interactive floor plan, and 12-month hosting.

Question 23

Can I embed the tour on Rightmove and Zoopla?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our tours are compatible with Rightmove's virtual tour media slot, Zoopla's 360° tour integration, OnTheMarket, and your own website. We provide embed code for all platforms.

Question 24

What is the DigiProp digital twin?

Accepted Answer

The DigiProp digital twin is a complete 3D model of your property created from the 360° scan. It includes an interactive floor plan, built-in measurement tools, and allows viewers to navigate room-by-room. It's more advanced than a standard virtual tour.

Question 25

How do I book a service?

Accepted Answer

You can book online through our booking page, call us on 0121 7989017, or request a quote. Online bookings allow you to select your preferred date, time slot, and pay securely by card.

Question 26

Can I bundle multiple services together?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We offer bundle discounts: 10% off for 2 services, 15% off for 3 services, and 20% off for 4 or more services booked together. Use our instant quote tool to calculate your bundle price.

Question 27

How quickly can you attend my property?

Accepted Answer

Same-day or next-day appointments may be available for some services and locations, subject to the live booking calendar. Attendance and report turnaround vary by service and property.

Question 28

What payment methods do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We accept all major credit and debit cards through Stripe's secure payment system. You can pay a 20% deposit to secure your booking or pay the full amount upfront.

Question 29

What areas do you cover?

Accepted Answer

We cover Birmingham, Coventry, Wolverhampton, Walsall, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Stafford, Lichfield, Cannock, Tamworth, Burton upon Trent, Stourbridge, Bromsgrove, Redditch and all surrounding areas across the West Midlands and Staffordshire.

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