Check your EPC rating and how to improve it
Enter a postcode to see the energy rating of homes there, then open the free home report for the full picture.
Updated November 2026. Ratings come from the GOV.UK EPC register.
What the EPC bands mean
An Energy Performance Certificate rates a home from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient) on a score from 1 to 100+.
| Band | Score | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| A | 92+ | Very efficient, lowest running costs |
| B | 81–91 | Efficient |
| C | 69–80 | Good, above the typical UK home |
| D | 55–68 | Average, the most common band |
| E | 39–54 | Below average, the current legal minimum for private rentals |
| F | 21–38 | Poor, expensive to heat |
| G | 1–20 | Very poor, highest running costs |
How long an EPC lasts, and when you need one
A certificate is valid for 10 years. You must have one to sell or rent out a home, and to market it. A new one is only needed when the old one has expired, or if you want to show recent improvements.
Landlord minimum standard
Landlords in England and Wales currently need a rating of at least E to let a home, unless they have a registered exemption. In January 2026 the government confirmed that it intends to raise the minimum to C from 1 October 2030, subject to legislation. Read the GOV.UK landlord guidance on the minimum energy efficiency standard for the latest position.
The most common EPC upgrades
Share of a random sample of 50,000 certificates on the EPC register whose recommendations include each improvement (sampled November 2026). Indicative costs are the register's own figures.
| Upgrade | Share of certificates recommending it | Indicative cost on certificates |
|---|---|---|
| Solar photovoltaic panels, 2.5 kWp | 60% | £3,500 - £5,500 |
| Solar water heating | 53% | £4,000 - £6,000 |
| Low energy lighting for all fixed outlets | 42% | £20 |
| Internal or external wall insulation | 23% | £4,000 - £14,000 |
| Floor insulation (solid floor) | 20% | £4,000 - £6,000 |
| Replace boiler with new condensing boiler | 19% | £2,200 - £3,000 |
| Cavity wall insulation | 16% | £500 - £1,500 |
| Floor insulation (suspended floor) | 14% | £800 - £1,200 |
EPC, mortgages and resale
Buyers look at running costs, and some lenders offer lower rates on efficient homes. An EPC rarely decides whether a mortgage is approved, but a poor rating can weaken your position when you sell. See what a home is worth with the free house valuation.
Common questions
How do I check my EPC rating?
Enter your postcode in the checker above and pick your address. You can also search the government's free Energy Performance Certificate register at gov.uk. If your home has a certificate, you will see its rating and the date it was lodged.
How long is an EPC valid for?
An EPC is valid for 10 years. You need a valid one when you sell or rent out a home, and a new one is only needed once the old one has expired or if you want to show improvements you have made.
How can I improve my EPC rating?
On the certificates we sampled, the improvements most often recommended are solar panels, low energy lighting, wall and floor insulation and a boiler upgrade. Loft insulation is another common and cheap fix. What helps most varies by home, so start with the recommendations on your own certificate.
How much does it cost to improve an EPC rating?
It depends on the home. Low energy lighting costs around £20, loft insulation is typically £100 to £350 and cavity wall insulation £500 to £1,500, while wall insulation or solar panels run to thousands. The costs in the table are the indicative figures printed on certificates, which can be out of date, so get quotes.
Does my EPC rating affect my home's value?
It can. Buyers pay attention to running costs, and some lenders offer better terms on efficient homes. The effect varies by area and property, so treat it as one factor among many rather than a fixed amount.
What EPC rating do landlords need?
Landlords in England and Wales currently need an EPC of at least E to let a home, unless they hold a valid exemption. In January 2026 the government confirmed that it intends to raise the minimum to C from 1 October 2030, subject to legislation. Check gov.uk for the latest position.
Do EPCs matter for mortgages?
Some lenders offer green mortgages with lower rates for homes rated A to C, and a poor rating can affect what a buyer is willing to pay. An EPC is not usually a reason for a mortgage to be refused.