Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards — EPC C by 2030
New tenancies and renewals are expected to require EPC C from 2028. All existing tenancies from 2030. Fines of up to £30,000 per property. The £15,000 cost cap means most landlords can reach EPC C within budget — especially with solar and BUS grant support.
EPC Points by Measure — What Gets You to C?
The table below shows the EPC point improvement and typical installed cost for each major measure. Most EPC D properties need 5–15 additional points to reach C. Many EPC E properties need 15–25 points.
| Measure | EPC points gained | Typical cost | Funding available |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loft insulation (270mm) | +3 to +8 | £300–£600 | ECO4 |
| Cavity wall insulation | +3 to +7 | £400–£1,000 | ECO4 |
| Solar PV (4kW) | +8 to +15 | £5,000–£7,000 (0% VAT) | ECO4 Flex |
| Air source heat pump | +10 to +20 | Net £3,000–£7,500 (after BUS grant) | BUS £7,500 grant |
| Battery storage (9.5kWh) | +3 to +6 | £2,800–£4,000 (0% VAT) | None (0% VAT) |
| Solid wall insulation (EWI) | +8 to +15 | £8,000–£18,000 | ECO4, Warm Homes Local Grant |
| Underfloor insulation | +2 to +5 | £800–£2,000 | ECO4 Flex |
| Smart controls / TRVs | +1 to +3 | £200–£600 | ECO4 |
EPC point ranges are indicative. Exact improvement depends on your property baseline, orientation and construction type. A full EPC assessment after installation confirms your new band.
The Fastest Route to EPC C by Property Rating
Solar PV (4kW) alone is often sufficient to move an EPC D property to C. This costs £5,000–£7,000 after 0% VAT, well within the £15,000 cost cap. A free EPC impact survey confirms whether this single measure achieves C.
Loft + cavity wall insulation (if applicable) plus solar PV is the most cost-effective combination. Total cost typically £6,000–£9,000, often with ECO4 funding available for qualifying landlords.
Fabric-first approach needed: solid wall insulation or major insulation upgrades are usually required, combined with a heat pump (£7,500 BUS grant available) and solar. ECO4 and Warm Homes Local Grant can cover significant costs for eligible properties.
Available Funding for Landlords in 2026
£7,500 BUS Grant (heat pumps)
Available to landlords for air or ground source heat pump installations. We apply on your behalf.
Learn moreECO4 (via tenant eligibility)
If your tenant receives qualifying benefits and the property is EPC D–G, ECO4 may fund major upgrades at zero cost.
Learn moreWarm Homes Local Grant
Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Suffolk councils offer Warm Homes Local Grant funding for low-income properties, including some landlord properties.
Learn more0% VAT on solar and batteries
All solar PV and battery storage installations now qualify for 0% VAT, reducing costs by ~20% compared to standard rate.
Learn moreWhy Act Before 2028?
Frequently Asked Questions
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Free Landlord EPC Assessment
We survey your rental property, calculate which measures achieve EPC C within the £15,000 cost cap, and identify all available grant funding. Serving Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Suffolk.