England’s landlords need more time to fulfil the government’s projected deadline for improving rental property EPC ratings to a C.

Only 41% of English properties satisfy the necessary Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) grade of ‘C‘ or higher, an increase of 1% from the previous year.

This is despite government efforts to minimise the nation’s carbon impact by increasing residential energy efficiency.

The EPC scale ranges from A to G and is used to evaluate a property’s energy efficiency based on its emissions level, possible heat or energy loss, and expected fuel expenses.

“Noise about “greening” the property stock in the United Kingdom”

The company’s managing director, Jason Harris-Cohen, stated, “There has been a lot of hooplas about ‘greening up the UK’s property stock, but despite various campaigns and news coverage, homeowners need to catch up on the government’s goal

We are less than two years away from the new EPC date, which puts much pressure on landlords.

A significant portion of buy-to-let houses will be illegal to rent after 2025 unless energy efficiency renovations are made to reach a minimum EPC rating of C.

An increase in C-rated properties demonstrates landlords’ difficulties.

He stated, “A minuscule 1% increase in ‘C‘ rated homes underscores the difficulties faced by landlords.

“Although replacing light bulbs and adding a layer of attic insulation will undoubtedly assist, the main renovations that truly improve an EPC are costly.

“Double glazing, solar panels, and heat pumps meet the requirements, but they are expensive to purchase, disruptive to install (possibly requiring the tenant to vacate temporarily), and have no proven return on investment.”

He continued, “There is also the added complication of a lack of materials and labour, which thwarts even the most willing landlords.”

Meet or exceed the EPC rating of “C.” Currently, 63% of the City of London houses have an EPC rating of C or higher, the same percentage as twelve months earlier. Salford comes in a close second, with 59% of houses meeting the necessary energy rating, an increase of 1% from the previous year. And, for the second consecutive year, Birmingham ranked bottom, with 33% of homes meeting the required energy rating.

Only 38% of homes in Bath and Brighton received an EPC rating of ‘C’ or higher, below the national average.

Properties with a grade of C or higher

On a geographical scale, the research indicates that 46% of London’s homes reach the suggested EPC grade of ‘C‘ or higher, while Yorkshire and The Humber had the lowest score on the list, with only 36% of homes matching the required EPC standard of ‘C‘.

Mr Harris-Cohen remarked, “It’s remarkable that Yorkshire and the Humber had the highest proportion of ‘C‘-rated dwellings.

Buy-to-let yields in the region are among the highest in the United Kingdom; perhaps landlords would prefer to invest in eco-improvements, an attitude shared throughout the United Kingdom.