How to Improve EPC Rating of Your Property: 8 Effective Tips
If you’re a landlord, investor, or homeowner with even half an eye on the UK property market, you’ll already know that EPC ratings are no longer optional background detail. They’re central. Whether you’re trying to sell, remortgage, or let a property – particularly post-2025 – a poor EPC score can mean fewer buyers, reduced rental interest, and mounting regulatory pressure.
But here’s the good news: you can improve it. And while some upgrades require more upfront investment, others are surprisingly simple – and collectively, they can move the dial significantly.
So if you’re wondering how to improve EPC rating without tearing your property apart or draining your budget, let’s walk through the most effective steps, ranked by effort, cost, and impact.
Why Your EPC Rating Matters
An EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) rates a property’s energy efficiency from A (most efficient) to G (least). It’s based on things like insulation, heating systems, glazing, and lighting – and it’s now a critical factor in property valuation and rental eligibility.
As it stands, all rental properties must hit a minimum E rating – but the government has made it clear that this bar will rise. A C rating could soon become the new legal minimum for lettings, with some regions already nudging landlords in that direction through local licensing schemes.
So this isn’t just about ticking a box – it’s about protecting your asset, future-proofing your income, and staying competitive in a market where tenants are increasingly eco-conscious (and utility-savvy). Not to mention the potential uplift in property value linked to efficiency upgrades – as seen in recent studies on how energy efficient upgrades increase property value.
1. Upgrade to LED Lighting
Low-cost, high-impact, and often overlooked. Swapping out halogen or incandescent bulbs for LED alternatives across the property is one of the fastest, cheapest EPC wins you can make.
It won’t jump your rating by two full bands – but it will contribute, especially if combined with other upgrades. Plus, tenants will appreciate lower bills (and fewer blown bulbs). It’s the definition of low-hanging fruit.
2. Add or Improve Loft Insulation
Insulation is one of the biggest contributors to heat retention – and one of the most heavily weighted factors in EPC assessments.
Most homes should have at least 270mm of loft insulation. Anything less, and you’re leaking both heat and rating points. Topping up or installing new insulation is cost-effective, quick to fit, and can push a property up an entire EPC band on its own.
In older terraced or semi-detached properties – especially across North West real estate with strong demand – poor insulation is often the main culprit behind low scores. Fix that, and you’re halfway there.
3. Replace the Boiler (If It’s Past Its Prime)
Heating systems carry serious weight in EPC calculations – and rightly so. An outdated gas boiler, even if technically functional, can tank your rating.
If your current unit is over 10–15 years old, consider upgrading to a modern condensing boiler with smart controls. This won’t be a cheap fix – expect to spend £2,000–£3,500 – but it’s often the single most effective upgrade in terms of both EPC movement and monthly energy savings.
If a full replacement isn’t viable right now, adding thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) and a room thermostat can still improve efficiency without breaking the bank.
4. Install Double or Triple Glazing
Old single-glazed windows are a red flag on EPCs – and not just for energy reasons. They signal noise issues, condensation risk, and an overall lack of modernisation. Replacing them with A-rated double or triple-glazed units can dramatically reduce heat loss, boost tenant appeal, and improve your EPC position.
It’s an investment – but one that usually pays off in capital value, comfort, and marketability.

5. Add Cavity Wall Insulation
Not every property will be eligible (solid walls or heritage buildings can be tricky), but where possible, cavity wall insulation is a powerful efficiency upgrade. It works by trapping heat inside the home, reducing the need for constant heating.
Professional installation is typically non-intrusive and completed in a day. And with grants or subsidies often available, the ROI can be stronger than many landlords realise.
6. Install a Smart Meter and Heating Controls
Energy efficiency isn’t just about hardware – it’s also about control. EPC assessors increasingly value smart systems that allow tenants to regulate usage.
Installing a smart thermostat (like Hive or Nest) along with zonal heating controls tells the assessor that the property isn’t just insulated – it’s intelligent. That’s a scoring boost. It also appeals to tenants who want predictable bills and easy control, especially in short-term or serviced lets.
7. Consider Renewable Energy (Strategically)
Solar panels or air-source heat pumps can push a property into A or B territory – but they’re not for everyone. The upfront cost is high, planning can be complicated, and the payback period varies based on usage and tariff eligibility.
If your goal is EPC uplift with broad appeal, renewables might be best suited for newer properties or high-end developments where the market expects – and will pay for – top-tier sustainability. If you’re renting to students or professionals in mid-range stock, start with insulation, glazing, and heating first.
8. Don’t Forget the EPC Itself
Sounds obvious – but if you’ve already made upgrades, your EPC won’t update automatically. You’ll need to commission a new assessment to reflect the changes.
Make sure the assessor sees your receipts, spec sheets, or installation dates – they won’t guess. A property might perform like a C, but if the documentation isn’t there, it’ll stay rated D.
Final Thoughts: Future-Proof First
Improving your EPC rating isn’t about chasing perfection – it’s about staying ahead. Tenants want warm, efficient homes. Lenders increasingly favour energy-efficient stock. And legislation isn’t moving backwards.
Start where you can. Tackle the basics. Build from there. Even small changes, stacked together, can protect your rental income, reduce voids, and add to your asset’s long-term performance.
Whether you’re managing a single buy-to-let or growing a portfolio of reliable income-generating properties, EPC compliance is no longer a ‘nice to have’. It’s the cost of doing business – and a smart one, at that.
Need help identifying the best-value upgrades for your property type? Our team can walk you through the options, potential rating impact, and what buyers and renters are really prioritising in today’s market.