An Energy Performance Certificate, usually called an EPC, shows how energy efficient a property is. It gives the home a rating from A to G, with A being the most energy efficient and G being the least efficient.
You will usually need a valid EPC when a property is sold, rented or newly built. For buyers, it can help show how energy efficient a home is, what running costs may look like and which improvements could be worth considering. For homeowners, it can help when preparing to sell, planning upgrades or checking whether the property may fit green mortgage criteria.
An EPC is not the same as a survey and should not be treated as the only measure of a home’s condition or long-term cost. However, it can be a useful starting point when comparing properties, budgeting for improvements or thinking about how energy efficiency could affect your next mortgage decision.
Before you rely on an EPC rating
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See what the rating says about the property
An EPC shows how energy efficient the home is now, using a rating from A to G.
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Use the recommendations to spot possible improvements
The certificate may highlight upgrades that could improve efficiency, comfort and running costs.
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Check whether the EPC still reflects the home
An EPC normally lasts for 10 years, but an older certificate may not include recent improvement work.
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Look at what the rating could mean next
A lower-rated home may cost more to run, need improvement work or affect future green mortgage options.
What does an EPC show?
An EPC gives a snapshot of a property’s energy performance. It looks at features such as insulation, heating, hot water, windows, lighting and any renewable technology.
An EPC usually includes:
- Current rating: the property’s existing energy-efficiency score
- Potential rating: how the score could improve if recommended upgrades are made
- Energy use and costs: estimated energy use and typical running costs
- Suggested improvements: upgrades that may improve efficiency
- Upgrade estimates: indicative costs and possible savings for some improvements
- Property details: basic information about the home and assessment
This can help you see whether a property is already energy efficient, where it may be losing performance and what improvements could be worth exploring.
How EPC ratings are graded
EPC ratings run from A to G. A is the most energy-efficient rating, while G is the least energy-efficient.
EPC rating
What it may suggest
A
Very strong energy efficiency
B
Strong energy performance
C
Good energy performance
D
Moderate energy performance
E
Lower energy performance
F to G
Poorer energy performance and likely improvement work
A higher rating usually means the home is expected to use less energy. A lower rating may point to higher running costs, older heating systems, weaker insulation or more improvement work.
The EPC also shows a potential rating. This estimates how the property could perform if the suggested upgrades were completed, which can help you plan improvements, compare homes or check whether the property could qualify for green mortgage options.
When do you need an EPC?
You usually need an EPC when a property is being sold, rented or newly built. It should be available before the property is marketed, so buyers or tenants can see the home’s energy-efficiency rating before making a decision.
If you are selling, the EPC helps potential buyers understand the property’s energy performance, typical energy costs and suggested improvements. If you are renting out a property, you will usually need to provide an EPC to prospective tenants.
An EPC is normally valid for 10 years. You can use an existing EPC during that period, but it may be worth getting a new one if significant improvements have been made since the last assessment.
Rules can vary depending on the property type, location and situation, so landlords and sellers should check the current requirements before marketing a property.
Thinking about how your EPC could affect your mortgage?
Your rating may shape future running costs, improvement plans and some green mortgage options.
Why EPC ratings matter when buying a home
An EPC can help you look beyond the purchase price and consider what the home may cost to run, improve and maintain over time.
A lower-rated property may still be the right purchase, but it is worth checking what work could be needed, what it may cost and whether that still fits your budget after completion.
For buyers, an EPC can help you assess:
- Running costs: what the home may cost to heat and power.
- Improvement needs: whether insulation, heating, glazing or other work may be needed.
- Comfort: how easy the home may be to keep warm.
- Mortgage options: whether the property could meet green mortgage criteria.
- Offer planning: whether upgrade costs should shape your budget or offer.
An EPC should sit alongside your survey, affordability checks, lender criteria and long-term plans for the home.
Can your EPC rating affect your mortgage options?
For most standard mortgages, your EPC rating is not the main factor lenders use to decide whether you can borrow. Lenders usually focus on your affordability, deposit, credit profile, property type and loan-to-value.
However, EPC ratings can matter in some situations.
Some green mortgage products are linked to energy-efficient homes, often properties with stronger EPC ratings. Depending on the lender, this could mean access to incentives such as lower rates, cashback, reduced fees or additional borrowing for energy-saving improvements.
An EPC rating can also be relevant if you are buying a property that needs work. If improvement costs are likely, you may need to think about how they affect your deposit, renovation budget, mortgage affordability and wider plans for the home.
The key point is that an EPC rating may influence the mortgage options available, but it does not replace the usual lender checks.
See if your EPC could shape your mortgage options
Muttuo Mortgages can help you compare green mortgage deals, lender criteria and your wider borrowing position.
How to improve your EPC rating
Improving an EPC rating usually means making the home more energy efficient. The right improvements depend on the property, its age, current condition and how it is heated.
Some upgrades may be relatively simple, while others can involve a larger budget or specialist advice.
Common improvement areas include:
- Insulation: helping reduce heat loss through the loft, walls or floors.
- Heating and controls: upgrading the boiler, heating system or thermostat controls.
- Glazing and draught-proofing: improving how well the home keeps warmth in.
- Renewable technology: adding options such as solar panels where suitable.
Before spending money, check which improvements are likely to make the biggest difference to your EPC rating, energy bills and longer-term plans for the home.
What to check before buying a home with a lower EPC rating
A lower EPC rating does not automatically mean you should avoid a property. Many homes can be improved over time. The key is understanding what work may be needed, what it could cost and whether it fits your wider plans.
Before committing, check:
Improvement costs
Some upgrades may be straightforward, while others could involve more significant work or specialist advice.
Your post-completion budget
Energy improvements can affect how much cash you need after buying, especially if you also have moving costs, furniture or repairs to cover.
The property type
Older homes, leasehold properties and period buildings may have restrictions on what can be changed.
Your mortgage route
If you want to fund improvements, check whether additional borrowing, a renovation budget or a future remortgage could be realistic.
Your long-term plans
If you plan to stay in the home, improvements may feel more worthwhile than if you expect to move again soon.
A lower-rated property may still be a good purchase, but the improvement work should be part of your budget and decision from the start.
How Muttuo Mortgages can help
An EPC can give you useful information about a property, but it is only one part of the wider mortgage picture.
Muttuo Mortgages can help you:
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Compare mortgage options based on your property, EPC rating and circumstances.
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Check whether green mortgage products may be available.
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Understand how improvement plans could affect your borrowing options.
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Review options from over 100 lenders before you apply.
Whether you are buying, moving, remortgaging or planning improvements, our team can help you see how the property fits your mortgage plans.
Get clarity before you buy or move
Check your mortgage options before you make your next property decision.
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EPC rating FAQs
These FAQs answer common questions about EPC ratings, including what makes a good rating, how long an EPC lasts, selling with a low rating and how EPCs can relate to green mortgages.
What is a good EPC rating?
An EPC rating of A to C is generally considered strong.
Properties with higher EPC ratings are usually more energy efficient and may cost less to run than lower-rated homes. A D rating is also common across many UK homes and does not necessarily mean the property is unsuitable.
If the rating is E, F or G, it is worth checking what improvements may be needed, how much they could cost and whether they affect your budget or future plans.
How long does an EPC last?
An EPC is normally valid for 10 years from the date it is issued.
You can use an EPC during that period, but it may not reflect the current property if major improvements have been made since the assessment. In that case, getting a new EPC may give a more accurate picture of the home’s current energy performance.
Do you need an EPC to sell a house?
Yes, you usually need a valid EPC before marketing a property for sale.
The EPC should be available to potential buyers, helping them see the property’s energy rating, estimated energy use and suggested improvements before they decide whether to proceed.
Can you sell a house with a low EPC rating?
Yes, you can usually sell a property with a low EPC rating.
However, buyers may factor the rating into their decision, especially if the home is likely to have higher running costs or needs improvement work. A lower rating may also lead some buyers to ask more questions before making an offer.
Can an EPC rating help with a green mortgage?
Yes, some green mortgage products are linked to the property’s EPC rating.
Eligibility varies by lender, but stronger EPC ratings may help you access certain green mortgage rates or incentives. It is still important to compare those products against standard mortgage options, as the green deal is not always the cheapest or most suitable route.
