The EPC rating of a home now matters more to buyers than a new kitchen or a south-facing garden. A survey of 2,000 UK adults, reported by The Independent, found that 68% of buyers now rank EPC as a key factor when choosing a property. That puts energy efficiency ahead of features that dominated the market a decade ago.
The shift reflects a hard financial reality. Energy prices have risen 54% since 2021, according to Ofgem data. A home with an EPC D rating costs roughly £1,500 a year more to heat than an EPC C property, based on typical 3-bed semi usage of 12,000 kWh. Buyers are doing the maths: a poor EPC is now a visible liability.
What an EPC rating actually means for your wallet
The survey asked respondents what they would pay extra for an EPC A-rated home compared with an EPC G property. The answer: an average of £32,000. That’s not a hypothetical, lenders are already pricing in the risk. Barclays and Nationwide offer lower mortgage rates for homes with EPC A or B ratings, and the government’s Future Homes Standard will mandate high efficiency for new builds from 2025.
For existing homeowners, the message is clear. Upgrading from EPC D to C typically costs £5,000–£10,000 for cavity wall insulation, loft top-up, and a modern boiler or heat pump. The Energy Saving Trust estimates the annual bill saving at £300–£600. Over a decade, that’s £3,000–£6,000 saved, plus a property value uplift of around 5%, about £15,000 on a £300,000 home.
Who qualifies for grants, and who doesn’t
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme now offers £7,500 towards an air-source heat pump, up from £5,000 in 2023. That covers roughly half the installation cost. The Great British Insulation Scheme provides free or discounted loft and cavity wall insulation for households on certain benefits or with low EPC ratings. But the catch is eligibility: the scheme targets homes with EPC D or below, and the installer network is still patchy in rural areas.
Households on standard variable tariffs can apply through gov.uk from 4 November. Eligibility closes on 31 March 2027. The government has not confirmed whether the budget will be extended.
What this misses, the rental sector and greenwashing
The survey reflects owner-occupier sentiment, but the rental market tells a different story. Landlords must meet EPC E by 2028, with a proposed minimum of C by 2030. Yet 40% of privately rented homes in England still fall below EPC C, according to government data. The cost of upgrades, often £15,000–£20,000 for solid-wall properties, is being passed on to tenants through higher rents. That’s a regressive outcome the survey doesn’t capture.
There is also the risk of greenwashing. Some estate agents now advertise ‘EPC A’ homes with solar panels that are leased, not owned, meaning the buyer inherits a monthly lease payment. The Energy Ombudsman received 1,200 complaints last year about mis-sold solar leases. Buyers should check whether panels are owned outright or tied to a contract.
What to do next
If you are selling, get an EPC assessment now, it costs £60–£120 and takes an hour. Prioritise loft insulation (costs £300–£500, pays back in two years) and cavity wall insulation (£2,000–£3,000, payback in four years). If you are buying, request the EPC certificate before making an offer. Use the Energy Saving Trust’s home energy check tool to estimate upgrade costs and bill savings. The market is already pricing in efficiency, don’t let your home be the one left behind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Typically £5,000–£10,000 for cavity wall insulation, loft top-up, and a modern boiler or heat pump. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers £7,500 towards a heat pump, and the Great British Insulation Scheme can reduce insulation costs for eligible households.
Yes. Moving from EPC D to C can add around 5% to your home's value, about £15,000 on a £300,000 property. Lenders also offer lower mortgage rates for homes with EPC A or B ratings.
