| By Chandraketu Tripathi | Updated April 2026 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rates how energy efficient a property is on a scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). EPCs are required when selling or renting a property in the UK. In 2026, the government has proposed that all rental properties must achieve a minimum EPC rating of C by 2028 — a significant change that affects millions of landlords. EPCs cost £60-120 for an assessment and are valid for 10 years. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Key Facts 2026 EPC scale: A (most efficient) to G (least efficient) | Assessment cost: £60-120 | Valid for: 10 years | Rental minimum (proposed 2028): EPC C or above | Required: when selling or renting any property | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
EPC Rating Scale UK — What Each Grade Means | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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EPC Requirements UK 2026 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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How to Get an EPC UK 2026 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| To get an EPC, you need a Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA) — a qualified professional who visits your property and assesses its energy efficiency. The assessment typically takes 45 minutes to 1.5 hours and covers: walls, roof and floor insulation; windows and doors (single, double, or triple glazed); heating system type, age, and controls; hot water system; and any renewable energy sources (solar panels, heat pumps). The EPC assessment costs £60-120 for most properties — more for large or complex buildings. Find a registered assessor at the government's EPC register at epcregister.com. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
How to Improve Your EPC Rating UK — Cost vs Impact | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The Proposed 2028 EPC C Rule for Landlords UK | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The government has proposed that from 2028, all rental properties in England and Wales must achieve a minimum EPC rating of C. This represents a significant tightening from the current minimum of E. Approximately 60% of privately rented properties in England are currently rated D or below — meaning millions of landlords would need to make improvements. The government has proposed a cost cap of £10,000 per property for landlord improvements. As of April 2026, this remains a proposal — the final legislation had not been confirmed. Landlords should check gov.uk for the latest position and plan improvements in advance to avoid last-minute costs. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Frequently Asked QuestionsHow much does an EPC assessment cost UK? An EPC assessment costs approximately £60-120 for most residential properties. The cost varies by location (higher in London), property size, and assessor. Large or complex properties may cost more. You can find registered assessors at epcregister.com. Always compare prices from 2-3 assessors. How long does an EPC last UK? An EPC is valid for 10 years from the date of assessment. If you have made significant energy improvements to your property since the last EPC, you can get a new assessment at any time to reflect the improvements. When selling or renting, you must provide a valid (in-date) EPC — if yours has expired, you need a new assessment. Is EPC rating C good UK? An EPC rating of C (scores 69-80) is considered good and above average. Most UK homes are currently rated D. A C rating means the property has reasonable insulation, modern heating, and double glazing. From 2028, C is proposed to become the minimum required for rental properties. New builds typically achieve B or above. What makes a property F or G rated EPC UK? EPC F and G ratings (the two lowest) are typically caused by: no or poor loft insulation; single glazing; solid uninsulated walls; an old inefficient boiler (pre-2000); electric storage heaters; oil or LPG heating without controls; and no hot water cylinder insulation. These properties cost significantly more to heat. Since April 2020, renting out an F or G rated property in England and Wales is unlawful without a valid exemption. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Sources: GOV.UK, MHCLG, Energy Saving Trust, EPC Register (epcregister.com), Which?, Ofgem. Always compare. April 2026. |
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) UK 2026: Ratings, Costs & What Grade You Need
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