What is an EPC certificate in London?

An EPC certificate in London is an official document that rates the energy efficiency of a property on a scale from A to G. The certificate shows the current energy efficiency rating and also provides guidance on how to reduce energy costs and make the property more energy efficient. 

You must have a valid Energy Performance Certificate EPC before any home or commercial building can be sold or rented. For homeowners preparing to sell, it can influence interest from potential buyers. For landlords, it is a legal requirement that supports safer and more affordable living for tenants across the city.

An Energy Performance Certificate London assessment must be carried out by an accredited assessor who visits the property to collect information. This includes details about the building’s construction, heating systems, insulation levels, and windows. The better the design and upgrades, the stronger the EPC rating is likely to be.

What does an EPC certificate include?

Every EPC certificate includes the current energy efficiency rating, the environmental impact rating and estimated annual running costs for heating, lighting, and hot water. You will also receive recommended measures that can improve the rating, such as insulation, heating upgrades or improved glazing. EPC assessors will review elements such as your loft insulation thickness, whether the walls are solid or cavity, the age of the boiler, and whether you have low-energy lighting fitted.

These insights help tenants and buyers judge the affordability of living in the property before committing. For landlords, the EPC certificate London report provides a clear upgrade plan to meet future legal standards. For estate agents, having a strong EPC ready helps speed up the marketing process for clients.

When do you need an EPC certificate in London?

You are legally required to obtain an EPC certificate every time a property is sold or rented in London. This applies to houses, flats, HMOs, commercial units and public buildings. Landlords must provide an EPC certificate to tenants before a tenancy agreement begins. Estate agents will usually ask for it up front so the listing can go live without delays. Property developers and builders must also ensure EPCs are completed for new build compliance.

A small number of properties, such as certain listed buildings, may qualify for exemption if improvements would negatively impact protected features. However, most properties in England will always need an EPC certificate London when marketed for selling or renting.

How long does an EPC certificate last?

An EPC certificate in London remains valid for ten years. If a property undergoes major renovations that affect its energy efficiency, this may require a new EPC. it could be beneficial to receive a new EPC certificate London if you have paid for improvements that improve its rating. 

You should always ensure your EPC is up to date to avoid fines or problems with property transactions.

EPC rules for landlords in London

Landlords in London must currently ensure their rental properties achieve a minimum EPC rating of E. This rule applies to houses, flats, HMOs and commercial properties across the city. If a property is rated F or G, landlords must make improvements before new tenants can move in. Fines for non-compliance can reach thousands of pounds.

The government is likely to review energy efficiency standards in the near future and may introduce stricter rules to reduce energy bills for tenants and help London move towards national energy saving and climate goals. Acting early is better than waiting until demand pushes costs up, especially for landlords with multiple properties.

What does an EPC cost in London?

The price of an EPC certificate London assessment is usually between £50 and £150 (including VAT) for residential homes, but it depends on the property’s size and complexity. Larger or older properties may take longer to assess and therefore cost slightly more. Commercial EPCs are more specialist and typically higher in cost due to the detailed analysis required.

Booking directly with a qualified assessor can help keep costs down and secure quicker appointments. For landlords or investors who need several EPCs at once, bulk booking discounts are often available.

Can EPC ratings be improved?

EPC ratings can be improved by upgrading energy efficiency features in a property. Popular methods include:

• Adding loft insulation or upgrading existing insulation.
• Installing cavity wall or solid wall insulation.
• Switching to energy-efficient windows and doors.
• Replacing an old boiler with a modern, efficient heating system.
• Installing smart heating controls and LED lighting.

These upgrades not only improve EPC certificate London ratings but also reduce energy bills. Tenants increasingly prioritise properties with better EPC ratings as they can be cheaper to run and more comfortable year-round.

How to find an EPC certificate in London

To search, download or verify a certificate, you can use our EPC checker for England, Wales or Northern Ireland. You only need the property address or postcode to locate the document. This service is widely used by landlords, letting agents, buyers and tenants who want to check a property’s energy efficiency rating and its recommended improvements.

Why EPCs matter in London

EPC certificates matter in London because they promote better quality housing, support legal compliance and help reduce environmental impact. In such a competitive market, a strong EPC rating can make a property more attractive and may even increase the asking price or rental income.

With rising energy costs, more buyers and tenants are checking EPC ratings before making decisions. Lenders and public funding providers increasingly consider EPC ratings when offering mortgages or improvement grants. Better ratings, therefore, add real value to London properties while helping the city move towards cleaner and more energy-efficient housing.

Take your next step: improve your rating and save money

If you want to improve your EPC certificate London score or simply cut your heating bills, insulation upgrades are a smart place to start. Enhanced insulation makes a property warmer, greener and more affordable to run. To explore your insulation options and find local trusted installers, visit EcoInsulation.co.uk today.

A more energy-efficient home benefits you now and increases the future value of your property. Start making improvements that save energy and support a better EPC rating for years to come.

The UK has some of the highest energy bills in Europe, making the EPC rating of a property more important than ever. Whether you’re a homeowner looking to sell, a landlord managing rentals, or a tenant comparing running costs, the A–G scale can have a major impact. 

But what does an EPC rating really mean, and why should you care?

In this guide, we’ll break it down so you have everything you need to know about EPC ratings, how they’re calculated, and what you can do to improve yours.

What is an EPC rating?

An EPC rating is the score given to a property on its Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). It places the property on a scale from A (most energy efficient) to G (least efficient). Along with the letter rating, the EPC includes important details such as:

• Typical energy costs for heating, hot water and lighting.
• An energy efficiency rating that you can compare with other homes or buildings.
• Suggested energy-saving improvements to help reduce bills and carbon emissions.

The intention is simple: an EPC rating gives potential buyers or tenants a quick and easy way to see how efficient a property actually is.

If you live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, EPCs are part of the legal process for most buildings that are being sold or rented. Scotland has a separate EPC register, but the principles are the same.

Why are EPC ratings important?

Legal requirements

It’s the law. You must have a valid EPC whenever a property is sold, rented, or built. This applies to both homes and commercial premises, including public buildings.

There are some exemptions, such as for certain listed buildings where improvements would alter historic character, or temporary structures. Failure to comply typically means fines (around £200 for homes, rising to £5,000 for commercial or larger properties).

Impact on sales and rentals

Your EPC rating can affect how easily your property sells or rents. In today’s housing market, many buyers and renters are looking for energy-efficient homes because they cost less to run. Research by Rightmove suggests that nearly 15% of home movers see EPC ratings as a major deciding factor.

For landlords, the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) mean you cannot legally let a property with an EPC rating lower than E, unless you have an exemption.

In other words, your EPC rating isn’t just paperwork. It’s directly linked to compliance, marketability, and profitability.

How is an EPC rating calculated?

When an accredited EPC assessor visits your property, they look at a wide range of building features, including:

• Insulation: loft, cavity wall, roof, and floor insulation levels.
• Heating systems: the efficiency of boilers, whether you have smart controls, or if you use newer technology like heat pumps.
• Lighting: the type of lighting and how energy-efficient your bulbs are.
• Glazing and doors: single, double, or triple-glazed windows, and draught-proofing.
• Renewable systems: solar panels, wind turbines, or energy-saving tech like solar thermal.

All this information feeds into the calculation that produces your final EPC rating on the A–G scale. You can search for any address with our tool and find out the property’s grade.

The A–G scale explained

• EPC rating A: Excellent efficiency. Very low predicted energy costs, often found in new builds with renewable energy systems or heavily retrofitted homes.
• EPC rating B: Still highly efficient. Modern insulation, double-glazing, and efficient heating contribute to this band.
• EPC rating C: Better than average, increasingly the standard target for homes. Often considered a ‘sweet spot’ for attracting buyers.
• EPC rating D: The current UK average. Not bad, but with plenty of room to improve efficiency.
• EPC rating E: The legal minimum for renting in England, Wales or Northern Ireland. Not efficient, and likely to come with higher energy bills.
• EPC rating F: Below rental standards. Outdated insulation or heating leads to high costs and wasted energy.
• EPC rating G: The lowest possible score. Very high energy costs and poor comfort; extensive improvements are usually required.

Each band not only reflects efficiency but also carbon emissions and running costs, making it a useful snapshot of your property’s environmental impact.

How to improve your EPC rating

Improving your EPC rating doesn’t just tick compliance boxes – it makes your property more pleasant to live in and cheaper to run.

Practical steps to boost EPC ratings

• Insulation upgrades: Loft, external wall, cavity wall, or floor insulation is often the most effective improvement. 
• New windows: Replacing single glazing with double or triple glazing.
• Efficient heating systems: Replacing an old boiler, fitting smart controls, or installing a heat pump.
• Lighting: Switching all bulbs to LEDs.
• Renewables: Adding solar PV or solar thermal panels to reduce dependence on traditional fuels.

Grants and schemes

Across the UK, there are government schemes and energy supplier initiatives to help cover the cost of improvements. These could include insulation grants, heat pump incentives, or support for low-income households. Checking what’s available can make upgrading more affordable while boosting your EPC rating.

Who needs an EPC and when?

• Homeowners: You must provide an EPC when selling your home. Even if you’re not moving, improving your EPC rating can make your house more energy efficient and comfortable.
• Landlords: Rental properties must achieve at least an EPC rating of E unless exempt. EPCs are legally required every time a new tenancy starts.
• Estate agents & buyers: EPCs help potential buyers decide quickly on how costly a home will be to run. Buyers may ask their estate agent to obtain an EPC certificate on their behalf.
• Commercial properties: Offices, warehouses, shops, and public buildings also need EPCs, known as Commercial EPCs (CEPCs). For larger public buildings, a separate Display Energy Certificate (DEC) may be needed.
• Developers & builders: Every newly built property must have an EPC before being sold or rented.

How to get an EPC certificate

Booking an assessor

Only an accredited assessor can issue a valid EPC. You can find one local to you using our trusted search, and you should be able to schedule a time within a few days.

Costs and validity

• For homes, EPC costs typically fall between £40 and £120, depending on size and location.
• For businesses, commercial EPCs start around £150 but can rise to several thousand for large or complex sites.
• Once issued, your EPC remains valid for 10 years, unless you make major changes to the property that would affect its rating.

EPC ratings and future regulations

The UK’s long-term commitment is to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Housing and buildings play a massive role in achieving this.

• Minimum standards: At present, landlords must achieve an EPC rating of E or above, but future regulations may raise this to C, especially for rental properties.
• Public buildings: Expect continued focus on making public sector estates more energy efficient, with stricter disclosure through EPCs and DECs.
• Property investors and developers: Staying ahead of regulations will protect long-term asset value.

Common misconceptions about EPC ratings

EPC vs energy bills

An EPC shows the predicted energy efficiency rating, but real-life bills still depend on habits and other factors. For example, leaving heating on all day will lead to higher bills, even if your EPC rating is strong.

EPCs are only for selling or renting

Not true. While an EPC is legally required when a property is sold or rented, you can commission one anytime for your own benefit. It gives you a clear idea of where to focus on energy-saving upgrades to reduce future bills.

EPCs are always perfectly accurate

EPCs are based on standard assumptions, so they don’t reflect every household’s lifestyle. But they do provide a consistent benchmark for comparison, which is why they’re legally required across the UK.

Final thoughts

Your EPC rating is more than a letter on a certificate. It affects how quickly your property sells, whether you can legally rent it out, and how much you’ll spend on energy. From listed buildings with unique challenges to modern new homes designed to be highly energy efficient, every property benefits from understanding its EPC rating.

For anyone in England, Wales, Northern Ireland, or Scotland, the process is straightforward: book an accredited assessor, receive your Energy Performance Certificate EPC, and use the recommendations to make your property more efficient.

Even small improvements, like insulation or LED lighting, can make a noticeable difference to your EPC rating, comfort, and energy bills. With regulations tightening and buyers caring more about efficiency, now is the perfect time to review your property’s EPC rating and take action.

1. What is an EPC rating D?

An EPC rating D means your property falls in the middle of the UK’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) scale, which ranges from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). Most UK homes currently sit in band D, so it’s a very common rating. It indicates that your property is reasonably efficient but has considerable scope for improvement in areas such as insulation, heating systems, and renewable energy technologies.

2. How EPC ratings are calculated

EPC ratings are calculated using the Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP). An official assessor will need to look at how much energy your home uses and how much it costs to heat, light, and provide hot water. They will also factor in building materials, insulation levels, window glazing, and heating systems. The result is both an energy efficiency rating (the EPC band) and an environmental impact rating, which shows your property’s CO2 emissions.

3. Why is an EPC rating D significant?

An EPC rating D matters because it highlights that your home performs at an average level for energy efficiency. While your property isn’t failing, it also doesn’t perform as well as properties in bands A–C, and you could likely improve it. For homeowners, an EPC rating D means you’ll face higher energy costs; for landlords, you could face challenges with compliance as regulations tighten; and for buyers, this rating signals that you may need upgrades.

4. Is EPC rating D good or bad?

A property with an EPC rating D isn’t bad, but people don’t consider it good either. It occupies a middle ground: acceptable today, but people increasingly view it as below standard as the UK pushes towards net-zero targets. With rising bills and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, buyers and tenants are becoming more conscious of energy efficiency ratings, so a property in band D may be less attractive than one in band C or above.

5. EPC rating D and UK property regulations

Currently, in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, rental properties must achieve at least an EPC rating E to be legally let. However, the government has proposed raising this minimum to band C by 2030 for most rented homes. 

If you’re a landlord with a property in band D, you’ll likely need to invest in upgrades in the coming years to remain compliant.

6. Impact of an EPC rating D on energy bills

A property with an EPC rating D typically has higher energy costs compared to a C or B-rated home. For example, improving from band D to C can save hundreds of pounds per year, depending on property size. With rising energy prices, the difference between EPC bands can have a real impact on household budgets and long-term affordability.

7. EPC rating D and property value

EPC ratings increasingly influence property value. A home in band D may sell for less than a similar home in band C or above because potential buyers are factoring in the cost of future upgrades and higher energy bills. Estate agents report that homes with higher EPC ratings often sell faster and attract more interest, making efficiency an important selling point.

8. Can you rent a property with an EPC rating D?

Yes, you can currently rent a property with an EPC rating D, as it is above the legal minimum band E. However, landlords should be aware of the proposed changes that could make band C the new standard. Future-proofing your property by improving its rating now can help avoid disruption and costs later.

9. How to improve a home from EPC D to C

The quickest way to improve from band D to C is by tackling insulation and heating efficiency.

• Quick wins: Switch to LED lighting, draught-proof windows and doors, and install smart heating controls.
• Bigger upgrades: Add cavity or solid wall insulation, upgrade loft insulation, fit double or triple glazing, and replace an old boiler with a modern condensing boiler or heat pump.

10. Grants and financial support for EPC upgrades

If your property has an EPC rating D, you may be eligible for government or local authority support to make improvements. Schemes such as the ECO4 programme and the Great British Insulation Scheme provide funding for insulation and heating upgrades. Homeowners in certain council tax bands, or those receiving benefits, may qualify for free or subsidised improvements.

11. Future of EPC standards in the UK

The UK is tightening EPC requirements as part of its net-zero strategy. While rating D is currently common, the government’s long-term ambition is for most homes to achieve band C or better by 2035. This means that properties in band D will become less acceptable over time, making it more important to act now.

12. What an EPC rating D means for homeowners and landlords

For homeowners, an EPC rating D means higher energy bills, lower comfort, and potentially reduced property value. In the case of landlords, it means a looming deadline to upgrade before new regulations take effect. Buyers should take it as a warning sign that future investment may be required.

The good news is that improving from EPC D to C is achievable with the right measures. Moreover, grants are available to help.