Understanding Energy Performance Certificates

If you’re in the market for a new home, you may have come across references to the Energy Performance Certificate, abbreviated to ‘EPC’ or may have seen its iconic graph. But what exactly is an EPC, and how can it benefit you as a homebuyer? Here’s what you need to know.

What is an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)?

In simple terms, an EPC measures a property’s energy efficiency, rated from G (least efficient) to A (most efficient). To sell a home, it’s mandatory to have a valid EPC unless the property is exempt, such as certain listed buildings.

The EPC graph includes two key metrics:

• Current Efficiency: How energy-efficient the home is today.
• Potential Efficiency: How efficient the home could become with recommended improvements.

The average EPC rating in the UK is D, and these ratings offer valuable insight into how much energy a property consumes and its potential energy costs.

Why Does Energy Efficiency Matter?

A home with a lower energy rating will likely cost more to heat, power, and maintain. While you may have budgeted for your new home’s estimated bills, you might not realise that a less energy-efficient property could add hundreds of pounds annually to your utility costs.

Improving a home’s energy efficiency, however, can come with significant upfront costs. For older properties, upgrades like solar panels, cavity wall insulation, or even wind turbines may be necessary to improve their rating. These upgrades, often listed as recommendations on the EPC document, can run into thousands of pounds, making it not worth the long-term benefit for most homeowners.

Energy Efficiency and Rental Properties

Currently, rental properties must have an EPC rating of at least E (unless exempt). There was a target under the previous government that new rental properties require a minimum rating of D in 2025, but this target has now been scrapped. However, it’s expected that a C rating requirement will be brought in by 2030, which will push many landlords to invest in costly energy upgrades to keep their properties marketable to renters.

How Does a High Energy Rating Benefit You?

Homes with great energy ratings, like those developed by eastbrooke homes in Horton Heath, offer significant advantages. These properties will exceed current energy efficiency standards for new build homes, ensuring lower running costs for homeowners.

Key features we’re implementing include:

• No Gas Heating: Ground source heat pumps provide cleaner heating.
• Sustainable Materials: Thoughtful building materials and techniques ensure efficiency.

By moving into an eastbrooke home, you’ll avoid the burden of costly energy upgrades, as these homes are already future-proof and aligned with upcoming regulations.

Green Mortgages

Energy-efficient homes don’t just save on utilities – they can also lower your mortgage costs. Major lenders such as NatWest, Barclays, and Nationwide offer “green mortgages” with reduced interest rates for properties meeting high energy-efficiency standards.

Find Your Perfect Energy-Efficient Home

At eastbrooke homes, we prioritise sustainability and energy efficiency to provide future-proof properties. Ready to learn more? Register now to see if we have a home for you.