91.5% of properties with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating could meet Band C or higher, according to data from Landmark Information Group.
Out of the properties that do have a valid EPC, more than half (55%) currently fall below Band C.
However, if all suggested changes recorded in the EPC were made to properties – switching to low-energy light bulbs, adding wall insulation, installing double-glazed windows, and switching to condensing boilers – 91.5% could meet the target of Band C or better.
However, there are other factors to consider including planning constraints, conservation areas and budgets.Â
The report estimated that as many as 20 million properties, or 66% of residential housing stock, could be impacted by these constraints.
The findings showed that the cost of improving EPC ratings varied depending on the current rating of each property.
The average cost of £39,381 to uplift an extremely inefficient property from Band G to Band C equated to nearly 11% of the average current value of a property.
As valid EPCs are required when properties change hands, property sales can help to drive change, but given that approximately 1.1 million transactions took place in 2022, at the current rate it would take 18 years to retrofit the estimated 20 million properties with an EPC rating below Band C.
Chris Loaring, managing director (legal) at Landmark Information Group, said: “In the quest for a more energy-efficient future, the path is marked with challenges.
“While 91.5% of properties show potential to reach higher EPC ratings, the real question remains ‘how?’
“With a significant percentage of homes lacking EPCs and a daunting task of upgrading millions from low bands to C, doubts linger on the industry’s capacity to meet Government targets.
“The hope for a sudden surge of change raises questions of sustainability, while the confidence in legislative timelines and the finite nature of the retrofit market pose substantial hurdles.
“Bridging the gap between potential and reality demands not just ambition but a strategic and sustained effort, as the clock ticks towards an uncertain 2035 deadline.”
