Age of property and EPC ratings
EPC and energy efficiency platform epIMS (https://www.epims.co.uk/) analysed energy efficiency rating bands data from the UK government to see how current EPC ratings differ for English homes built during various periods of time, ranging from those built pre-1919 to those built post-1990.
According to the data, modern homes tend to score well when it comes to EPCs. Almost 83% of homes built post-1990 currently holding a rating of C or above.
However, in stark contrast, less than 39% of homes built before 1990 have so far been able to meet this grade.
The research shows that the energy efficiency of homes has gradually increased over the decades.
Among homes built in England before 1919, only 20.7% have a current EPC rating of C or above. When it comes to homes built between 1919 and 1944, 28.5% have a rating of C or above.
And so the trend of steadily improving EPCs continues through homes built between 1945 –1964 (48.4%). 1965 – 1980 (49.4%). 1981 – 1990 (59.8%). Then homes built post-1990 (82.6%).
Things to consider when buying an older property
Age of property and EPC ratings
If you’re thinking about buying an old property, you need to be wary of the impact that poor energy efficiency and a low EPC rating can have.
High energy bills
As a result, your energy bills are going to be higher which, at a time when the cost of living is already through the roof, is something that requires careful consideration when looking at an older home.
Mortgage affordability
Halifax has recently announced that it is to start considering EPC ratings when calculating mortgage affordability for homebuyers; the reason being that a low EPC rating indicates that energy bills may be higher which will impact the buyer’s living costs and ability to afford monthly repayments.
What does Jukes Estate Agents Harlow say?
Sales and Marketing director Geoff Flewers says:
” It was not that long ago that EPC ratings were considered worthless by many. Yet today they become more and more important virtually every month.”
“From 2030 you will not be able to rent a property with an EPC rating below C. Landlords need to get started sooner rather than later on this.”
Rightmove (https://www.rightmove.co.uk/) consistently have issued excellent information on this subject:
Rightmove’s annual energy bill tracker
| Property type | EPC rating A | EPC rating B | EPC rating C | EPC rating D | EPC rating E | EPC rating F | EPC rating G |
| 1-bed flat | £605 | £872 | £1,237 | £1,716 | £2,222 | £2,902 | £3,788 |
| 2-bed flat | £592 | £972 | £1,373 | £1,968 | £2,722 | £3,533 | £4,327 |
| 3-bed terraced house | £522 | £1,072 | £1,657 | £2,307 | £3,165 | £4,195 | £5,245 |
| 3-bed semi-detached house | £540 | £1,024 | £1,666 | £2,311 | £3,210 | £4,273 | £5,345 |
| 3-bed detached house | £532 | £1,102 | £1,779 | £2,485 | £3,546 | £4,715 | £6,434 |
| 4-bed semi-detached house | £635 | £1,225 | £2,058 | £2,932 | £4,100 | £5,620 | £7,491 |
| 4-bed detached house | £647 | £1,320 | £2,202 | £3,048 | £4,347 | £5,811 | £7,879 |
| 5-bed detached house | £831 | £1,777 | £2,868 | £3,984 | £5,551 | £7,518 | £10,097 |
Geoff continues: ” It is hardly surprising the lenders like Halifax are considering factoring in EPC ratings when offering a mortgage. When you analyse the table above, it’s easy to see why.”