Energy bills. Comfort. Property value. These are just a few reasons why your home’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating matters. Whether you’re a homeowner planning improvements or a landlord trying to meet legal standards, understanding EPC ratings can help you make informed decisions, and even save you money.
At Lendology, we support homeowners and landlords to improve their EPC ratings through flexible, council-backed loans. In this short guide, we break down what EPC ratings are and why they’re so important.
What is an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)?
An Energy Performance Certificate is an official document that shows how energy-efficient your property is. It looks at factors such as:
- How much energy your home uses
- Your home’s carbon emissions
- Typical running costs for heating, lighting, and hot water
Homes are rated from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). A higher rating means your home uses energy more effectively and is likely to be cheaper to run.
You’ll need a valid EPC (they last for 10 years) if you’re selling, renting, or building a property. They’re also often required when applying for energy-related grants or loans.
Why EPC ratings matter for homeowners
Upgrading your EPC rating has many benefits, including:
- Lower energy bills. Homes with higher EPC ratings are better insulated and more energy efficient, meaning you’ll spend less on heating and electricity.
- Higher property value. Improving your EPC rating can make your home more attractive to buyers. A 2023 study by Rightmove found that improving your EPC rating from D to C can boost your home’s value by up to 3%—roughly £11,000 for the average UK home. A jump from F to C could increase value by as much as 15%.
- Improved comfort. Energy-efficient homes maintain warmth better in the winter and stay cooler in the summer.
- Lower carbon footprint. Upgrading your home’s efficiency helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, benefitting your wallet and the planet.
What EPC ratings mean for landlords
For landlords, EPC ratings are particularly important because they must comply with the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES). Currently, landlords letting property in England or Wales must have an EPC rating of at least E.
But this is changing in the future. By 2028, domestic rental properties must have an EPC rating of C, and an EPC rating of B by 2030.
Failing to meet these standards could result in fines or restrictions on renting your property. While there may be exemptions in special circumstances (e.g. listed buildings), most landlords are expected to comply, so it’s smart to start planning now.
Common ways to improve your EPC rating
There are many improvements you can make to boost your EPC score. And they don’t need to be large time or financial investments. There are a variety of energy efficiency improvements available, depending on what best suits your home:
- Insulation – Add loft or cavity wall insulation to reduce heat loss.
- Glazing – Install double or triple-glazed windows to improve efficiency.
- Smart heating controls – Help manage energy use more effectively.
- Low-carbon heating systems – Such as air source heat pumps or biomass boilers.
- Solar panels – Generate renewable electricity or hot water.
- Draught-proofing & LED lighting – Low-cost upgrades with high impact.
How Lendology can help improve your EPC rating
At Lendology, we work with local councils to offer low-interest loans that make energy efficiency improvements more accessible. Whether you’re a homeowner or a landlord, our loans can help fund insulation, heating upgrades, renewable energy systems, and more.
Our loans offer:
- Borrowing from £500
- Fixed interest rates
- No early repayment charges
- Repayment terms up to 15 years
- Available regardless of age, benefits, or credit history
These loans are tailored to your needs and managed by our in-house team, making the process as smooth as possible.
Ready to take the next step?
We’re here to help. Get in touch today to learn more or to start your application online.
Representative Example (4% fixed interest rate, Representative 4.2% APR).
Loans are subject to status and are typically protected by a Title Restriction.
Borrow £5,000 over 60 months, £92.08 monthly repayments. Total amount repayable = £5,544.96, including £20 fee for registering the Title Restriction against your property at the Land Registry. The £20.00 fee is only payable if a loan is agreed by Lendology and you decide to proceed with a loan. We do not charge interest on the fee. A Title Restriction means that you may not be able to sell your home without our permission unless the loan is fully repaid. This is a financial promotion approved by Lendology CIC. Missing payments could affect your credit rating and ability to obtain credit in the future.
