Rising EPC scores suggest that achieving a C rating by 2030 shouldn’t be such a cause for concern, according to landlord energy efficiency platform epIMS.

Its latest research reveals that for the past four years, C has been the most awarded EPC rating in England & Wales, indicating that the tide is already turning towards greener homes.

In 2014, 69% of properties that received a new EPC rating (after a sale, when a landlord started renting, changed use, or a new build house) scored a D or worse. The most common rating that year was D which accounted for 44% of the 2.2 million certificates awarded. Since then, the proportion of homes being awarded a D or worse has fallen and 2021 saw 51% of EPC ratings awarded a C or above.

Largest proportion

This trend continued through to 2024 when 60% of all homes were given a rating of between A and C – the largest proportion in the last ten years. The most common rating last year was a C - awarded to 44% of properties - but just as importantly, 2024 also saw the proportion of A ratings break the 1% mark for the first time, climbing from 0.8% in 2023 up to 1.7%.

EpIMS COO Craig Cooper (main image) says advancements in building materials and heating systems mean that energy efficiency is improving as a matter of course, with AI now able to analyse a home and quickly identify its weak spots.

“As such, landlords who are concerned about the time and cost required for upgrading their properties in order to adhere with the government’s proposed rules might actually be pleasantly surprised at how affordable it is, just so long as they approach the challenge in the most efficient manner,” adds Cooper.