Upcoming EPC Changes Explained: What Sellers and Landlords Need to Know

Energy efficiency is no longer a “nice to have” in today’s property market – it’s becoming a crucial factor in how homes are valued, marketed and sold.

With significant changes to Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) on the horizon, both landlords and homeowners need to understand what’s coming – and how to stay ahead.

As your local independent agent, we’re here to guide you through these changes with clear and practical advice so that you can protect your property’s value and make informed decisions.

Why EPCs Matter More Than Ever

Whether for a rental property or a residential sale, EPCs are moving from a tick-box requirement to a central part of the property conversation.

Rising energy costs and increased government focus on sustainability means buyers and tenants are paying closer attention than ever, in fact:

• 75% of consumers say that EPC ratings influence whether they book a viewing (Rightmove)
• Nearly half of UK homeowners are more concerned about the running costs of their homes than they were a year ago (Rightmove)

At the same time, the Government’s £15 billion pound Warm Homes Plan aims to upgrade millions of properties before 2030 – signalling a long term committed to upgrading the energy efficiency of the UK’s housing stock.

Simply put, EPCs are now having a direct influence on the demand, pricing and saleability of a property.

Key EPC Changes for Landlords

For landlords the biggest shift is regulatory.

What’s changing?

• The current minimum EPC rating for rental properties is E.
• From 1^st October 2030, the minimum EPC rating will rise to a C for all tenancies.

What this means in practice:

• For landlords seeking 10-year exemptions, landlords may need to spend up to £10,000 on improvements in order to meet compliance (spend is counted from October 2025 onwards)
• The average upgrade cost is estimated at around £8,100 (English Housing Survey)
• Without action, around 3 million rental properties could be non-compliant by 2030

New EPC assessments will place a greater emphasis on insulation and building fabric, not just heating systems. This means that some homes currently rated at a C could drop below the threshold under the new methodology.

The risk of waiting

• Exemptions will only apply after full spend caps are met
• Waiting for funding doesn’t pause legal responsibility
• Properties below EPC C risk longer void periods and reduced demand

What the EPC Changes Mean for Sellers

Whilst EPC C rules won’t apply to property sales, the impact is still significant.

EPC ratings on properties for sale now influence:

• Buyer decision-making
• Negotiation power
• Time on the market

For example, homes with lower EPC ratings take up to 17% longer to sell and buyers are increasingly factoring in the upgrade costs when making offers. This is also shifting market behaviour with more EPC D-G properties coming to the market as landlords choose to sell rather than retrofit their properties and a growing number of investors targeting low EPC homes to flip them for long-term gain.

How EPC Changes Affect Property Value

With the world becoming more energy conscious, energy efficiency is now directly tied to perceived value. Properties with stronger EPC ratings:

• Attract more interest
• Sell or let more quickly
• Command stronger pricing

Whereas lower-rated homes may be overlooked by up to 80% of potential buyers or tenants if they fall below expected standards. They also require price adjustments or lower offer acceptance to reflect the upgrade costs.

What Improvements Make the Biggest Difference?

The good news is that not all upgrades are expensive, some can deliver strong returns at relatively cheap prices.

Improvement examples include:

• Loft insulation (£300 - £600) can add between 4 and 10 points
• Cavity wall insulation (£400-£1,200) can add between 4 and 10 points
• Heating controls (£150 - £500) can add between 2 to 5 points
• Cylinder insulation (£20-£50) can provide quick low-cost gains

Future EPCs will also place greater weight on:

• Smart heating controls
• Renewable energy (i.e. solar panels or air or ground source heat pumps)
• Overall building efficiency and insulation

Why Early Action Matters

Whether you’re a landlord or thinking of selling, acting early puts you in control. With the new legislation due to come in 2030, getting ahead now means:

• You can spread upgrade costs over time
• You can avoid last-minute compliance pressure
• You are futureproofing your property’s marketability and value

How We Can Help at Jeremy Swan

Navigating the EPC changes can feel complex – but that’s where our local expertise makes all the difference, we can help you:

• Understand your property’s current EPC position
• Identify cost-effective improvements to increase value
• Advise buyer and tenant expectations in your local market
• Position your property to achieve the best possible price or rent
• Recommend tried and tested local contractors

We don’t just list properties, we provide clear, strategic afvice to help you stay ahead of market changes.

If you’re a landlord or homeowner thinking of futureproofing your home’s energy efficient now is the time to act.

Get in touch today to take the first steps towards achieving the best rental income or sales outcome for your property.