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Guide

The new EPC from 2026

The EPC is being reformed from a single energy-cost score to a set of metrics. Here's what is changing, what is still undecided, and how to act sensibly in the meantime.

From one metric to several

Today’s EPC reduces a home to a single number driven largely by energy cost. The Government’s reform — expected from 2026 — moves to a multi-metric certificate that reports separately on things like the building fabric, the heating system and how smart-ready the home is. The aim is a fairer, more useful picture than one cost-led score.

What’s still undecided

The precise metrics and exactly how “band C” will be defined under the new system are not yet finalised. That uncertainty is the single biggest reason to treat any cost-to-C estimate today as indicative. Our checker scores against the current metric and says so, and the rules behind it are versioned so they can be updated the moment the new methodology lands — without changing how the tool works.

What to do in the meantime

The sensible measures don’t change with the metric. Better insulation, draught-proofing, efficient heating and good controls improve a home under any scoring system, and qualifying spend can count toward the cost cap. Where you have a choice, it can pay to time a fresh EPC assessment for once the reformed methodology is in force.

Check where you stand today

Last reviewed June 2026. Based on Government proposals current at that date; the reformed EPC metric is not yet final.

Common questions

Will my EPC rating change under the new metric?
It might. Moving from a single cost-based score to several metrics can change how individual properties score — some go up, some down — depending on their fabric, heating and other factors. Until the reformed metric is finalised, nobody can give an exact new rating.
Should I wait for the new EPC before improving my property?
Insulation, draught-proofing and efficient heating improve a property under any metric, so the no-regret measures are worth doing now. It can be worth timing a fresh EPC assessment for once the new methodology is in force.
Does this change the 2030 deadline?
No. The 2030 EPC C target stands; the reform changes how the rating is calculated, not whether the standard applies.

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