FENSA Certificate: A Stress-Free Sale Guide

What a FENSA certificate is

Since April 2002, replacing windows or external doors in England and Wales is notifiable work under building regulations (for thermal performance and safety). A FENSA certificate (or one from a similar Competent Person Scheme, such as CERTASS) is issued when an approved installer registers the work, confirming it complies — so the homeowner does not need separate building-control approval. It is the proof buyers want that replacement windows are legitimate.

Why buyers want it

A buyer’s solicitor will ask whether the windows have been replaced and, if so, for the FENSA (or building-regulations) certificate. Without it, they cannot be sure the work complied, which a cautious buyer or lender may query. It is rarely a deal-breaker — missing FENSA certificates are common — but it raises an enquiry that needs answering, so having the certificate (or a plan to deal with its absence) keeps the sale moving.

What to do if it is missing

For older windows, indemnity insurance is the usual, inexpensive solution.

Indemnity insurance for windows

Where a FENSA or building-regulations certificate for replacement windows is missing and cannot be obtained, indemnity insurance is the common, cheap fix: a one-off policy protecting the buyer and lender against the (small) risk of enforcement, allowing a mortgage sale to proceed. As with other indemnity policies, do not approach the council about the specific work once you intend to insure, as that can void it. Your conveyancer will arrange it.

Selling with a FENSA issue

A missing FENSA certificate is a minor, common issue that rarely stops a sale — resolve it with a copy, a building-reg certificate, or indemnity insurance, and disclose the position. If you would rather not deal with it, or want speed, a cash buyer will purchase with the issue disclosed and complete in 7-28 days. See the wider legal checklist and selling without building regs.