EPC latest + 10 ways to improve a rating 

EPC latest + 10 ways to improve a rating 

Labour’s Ed Miliband has gone from eating bacon sandwiches to the Rt Hon Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero of the United Kingdom. 

In a bid to stamp authority in his new Government position, Miliband used September’s Labour Party Conference to announce a reform of the EPC requirements in the private rental sector. 

Compulsory rating for private rentals to rise 

The minimum EPC requirement, which is currently an E for lets to be legally permitted, will be revised upwards. From 2030, the grade private landlords must achieve will be a C. 

There is the assumption that EPCs only matter to landlords, but this is not the case. It is a legal requirement for all homes for sale to have an up-to-date EPC and this must be detailed within the listing as part of Material Information. 

Once displayed, the EPC rating can affect levels of interest in a property and how much a potential buyer is prepared to pay. Repeated research has revealed how properties for sale with a high EPC command a premium, delivering energy bill savings and a smaller carbon footprint. Additionally, some lenders will offer favourable mortgage rates to homes for sale with the best EPCs. 

A blanket EPC benchmark for all homeowners on the way? 

While it’s currently up to owner-occupiers if they aim higher when it comes to EPCs, a far more serious prospect is flickering in the background. In 2023, the Minimum Energy Performance of Buildings Bill started making its way through Parliament. Although it got stuck at the second reading stage and a change of Government has since ensued, the devil was in the detail. If passed, it would have required, by law, that all owner-occupied properties achieve an EPC of at least C by 2035. 

It is not impossible that Ed Miliband may resurrect the Bill – or at least the idea of a legally-required minimum EPC for owner-occupier properties – in order to achieve the Government’s carbon reduction targets. This is, in part, due to the fact that residential homes account for 14% of the UK’s total carbon emissions (TCPA, 2024). 

Less control over polluting property stock 

Another part of the reason lies with private landlords – existing ones are fast exiting the buy-to-let market and new ones are less inclined to invest in the first place. With fewer rental properties, currently mandated to have an E EPC now and a C from 2030, more will stay in the owner-occupier market and thus will be free to languish with a very poor EPC rating (F or G). 

Forcing owner occupiers to meet the same requirements as private landlords would make a far greater contribution towards achieving carbon neutral status as a nation. Whether this will ever come to fruition during Labour’s tenure remains to be seen but improving a property’s EPC should be considered essential – for both now and the future. 

There are some simple – and more sophisticated – ways to improve an EPC rating. Here are 10 improvements that are shown to make a difference: 

10 ways to improve an EPC rating 

• Ensuring as many light fittings as possible are fitted with LED light bulbs
• Fitting high-performing insulation in lofts – consider rockwool, sheep’s wool or quilted thermal layers (a depth of more than 270mm is recommended). Do exercise caution when considering spray foam insulation in lofts. The latter may obscure a valuer’s view of the roof and therefore they can’t report to a mortgage lender on the structure’s condition, with lending sometimes refused due to this
• Insulating hot water tanks and pipes – especially those located in a loft or basement
• Replacing single glazing with double or triple-glazed units (windows and doors)
• Installing the best energy-rated boiler as possible, or consider switching to an air source heat pump
• Adding cavity wall insulation, which can be performed from the outside of the property and may be applicable if the dwelling was built between the 1920s and 1990s
• Replacing appliances – including dishwashers, fridges, freezers, tumble dryers and washing machines – with those that are A rated
• Installing a smart energy meter so a more economical approach to heating a home can be taken
• Adding individually-controlled thermostatic valves to all radiators
• Installing PV solar panels and energy battery storage (a solar PV system installation under 3.68kWp will not need prior planning permission)

Reassessment after expiry & improvements 

Don’t forget, EPCs have a shelf life of 10 years, after which they should be reperformed. Viewber offers a fast, fixed-fee EPC service and you can book an energy assessor to visit a property at a time that suits you. 

Our EPC service is delivered by registered, accredited assessors, and is already used by estate and letting agents, landlords, property auctioneers and homeowners who would like their home reclassified after energy efficiency works.  

Those booking an EPC with Viewber will get the very best from the inspection if they have all paperwork, service logs, guarantees and model/make paperwork that substantiates any eco improvements that have been made. 

Our EPC team is waiting to hear from you – please get in touch to make a booking.