Invest Now to Bank EPC C Before the Rules Change
With EPC rules about to shift, locking in an EPC Band C today could spare you a decade of costly surprises.
Big changes are coming to the way EPCs are calculated and presented. The familiar single-letter bands are proposed to be replaced by a set of new headline metrics (Fabric Rating, Heating System Rating, Cost Rating, and Smart Readiness Rating). Whilst “EPC Band C equivalent” is expected to soon be the legal minimum for rentals, no one knows exactly how today’s properties will score under the new system. Get the full low-down here.
Instead of focusing on the hurdles, we at Green Home Guide choose to look forward. That’s why we’ve created four practical strategies landlords can start using today to stay one step ahead.
In our previous strategy blog, we discussed the possibility that your EPC may have quietly improved.
Strategy #2 involves making targeted upgrades now to achieve EPC C under the current system before the new regime arrives (likely late 2026), meaning you lock in compliance for up to 10 years. Green Home Guide’s online tool can support you with a tailored strategy for your property detailing exactly which targeted upgrades to implement from thousands of options.
How Does It Work?
Right now, the EPC Band C target is crystal clear. Once the EPC scoring system changes, achieving EPC C equivalent may become more difficult. However, If you achieve C today, that rating will remain valid until the certificate expires, which under current rules is 10 years.
Think of it like fixing your mortgage rate before Liz Truss became Prime Minister. You’re buying certainty before things may drastically change. Waiting could mean being forced into more expensive retrofits just to hit the same legal target.
Could My Property Qualify with Some Upgrades?
Yes, and the improvements needed might be simpler and cheaper than you think. Common cost-effective measures that can tip a property into Band C include:
- Adding or topping up loft insulation
- Installing LED lighting throughout
- Upgrading heating controls (e.g. thermostatic radiator valves or a smart thermostat)
- Adding double glazing
- Installing solar PV or enhancing an existing system with a battery
Every property is different though, which is why a targeted plan, not guesswork, is key. Our online tool does this by providing you with a tailored plan for your property.
What’s the Catch?
- Major renovations – Extensions or heating upgrades often trigger a fresh EPC.
- Shorter validity periods – Future rules might shorten EPC lifespan from 10 to 5–7 years, though existing certificates are expected to be honoured.
- Time Value of Money – There’s an upfront investment now, which means weighing today’s costs against tomorrow’s potential savings and compliance headaches.
What Should I Do Next?
Green Home Guide’s upcoming online tool will give you a personalised and tailored plan to move your property into EPC band C, pinpointing the improvements that offer the best value for money. No intrusive site visit needed. No tenants to unsettle.
References
- Reforms to the Energy Performance of Buildings consultation (Dec 2024–Feb 2025): https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/reforms-to-the-energy-performance-of-buildings-regime
- MEES consultation for private rented sector (Feb 7–May 2, 2025): https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/improving-the-energy-performance-of-privately-rented-homes-2025-update/improving-the-energy-performance-of-privately-rented-homes-consultation-document-html
- RdSAP 10 Specification (June 2025): https://bregroup.com/expertise/energy/sap/sap10
- RdSAP Conventions v12 (June 2025): https://bregroup.com/expertise/energy/sap/sap10
