Government Delays EPC Reforms Until 2027
The government has confirmed that planned reforms to the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) system will now be delayed, with changes not expected to take effect until late 2027. The announcement follows a consultation process and further discussions with industry stakeholders.
The consultation focused on potential reforms to the Energy Performance of Buildings framework, including plans to redesign EPC certificates. Under the proposed changes, EPCs would present several key performance indicators rather than relying on a single overall rating.
At present, properties are given a single energy rating band, largely based on estimated energy costs. This overall score determines whether a property meets the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) required for rental homes. Currently, landlords must ensure their properties achieve at least an EPC rating of E before they can legally be let.
A New Approach to EPC Ratings
The government is considering introducing multiple indicators within EPC reports to provide a more detailed view of a building’s energy performance. Instead of focusing only on estimated energy costs, the revised system would assess several areas of performance.
These proposed indicators include:
- The estimated energy costs associated with running the property
- The thermal efficiency of the building’s structure and fabric
- The performance and efficiency of the heating system
- The building’s ability to support smart energy technologies
Officials believe that presenting this information in a clearer and more detailed format could help both landlords and tenants better understand how efficiently a property performs and where improvements may be needed.
A Structural Change to the EPC System
If introduced, the shift to multiple performance indicators would represent a significant structural change to the existing EPC framework used in housing regulations. The government says the redesigned certificates are intended to provide more practical and meaningful information about a building’s energy performance.
These changes are also linked to the government’s broader energy efficiency goals for the housing sector. Ministers have previously stated that rented homes should aim to reach EPC band C by the end of the decade, which would require many landlords to improve the energy performance of their properties.
Improving Accuracy and Oversight
Alongside the proposed redesign of EPC certificates, the government is also examining ways to improve the accuracy and reliability of EPC assessments.
This includes proposals to strengthen oversight of EPC assessors and review the methods used to calculate a building’s energy rating. Officials are exploring whether improvements to the assessment process could help ensure ratings more accurately reflect a property’s real energy performance.
The consultation also looked at how EPC data could be made more accessible. Increasing the availability of building performance data may help lenders develop more green mortgage products, while also supporting wider government initiatives aimed at improving energy efficiency through retrofit programmes.
EPC Validity Period Still Under Review
Another issue considered during the consultation was the current 10-year validity period for EPC certificates. Officials examined whether this timeframe should be shortened so that property energy ratings remain more up to date.
However, the government has not yet confirmed whether any changes will be made to the validity period. Further announcements on this and other aspects of EPC reform are expected as policy development continues.
What Happens Next
Although the consultation has now concluded, the government says more work is needed before the reforms can be introduced. Officials will continue refining the proposals and engaging with industry before publishing detailed implementation plans.
For now, landlords and property professionals will need to wait for further guidance, with the revised EPC framework now expected to arrive sometime in 2027 rather than earlier as originally anticipated.
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