If you’re planning to sell your home in 2026, improving your Domestic EPC rating can make a real difference. A higher rating can:

  • Increase buyer confidence

  • Improve property value

  • Reduce negotiation pressure

  • Help your home sell faster

Under regulations set by the UK Government, most homes require a valid EPC before being marketed for sale. Buyers are increasingly paying attention to energy efficiency — especially with rising energy costs.

Here’s how to improve your EPC rating before listing your property.

1. Upgrade to LED Lighting (Quickest Win)

Lighting improvements are:

  • Low cost

  • Easy to install

  • Immediately beneficial for EPC scoring

Switch all bulbs to energy-efficient LED lighting and ensure fixed fittings are updated.

This small change alone can slightly increase your EPC score.

2. Improve Loft Insulation

Loft insulation is one of the most cost-effective upgrades.

  • Recommended depth: around 270mm mineral wool

  • Reduces heat loss significantly

  • Positively affects SAP calculations

Homes with poor loft insulation often lose valuable EPC points.

3. Upgrade Your Boiler

Heating systems heavily influence EPC ratings.

Consider:

  • Replacing old non-condensing boilers

  • Installing modern A-rated condensing boilers

  • Adding smart heating controls

If your boiler is over 12–15 years old, upgrading could improve your rating substantially.

Book a reassessment after improvements:
https://epcrate.co.uk/booking/

4. Install Smart Heating Controls

Adding:

  • Programmable thermostats

  • Thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs)

  • Smart home heating systems

can increase your EPC score without replacing the entire heating system.

These are relatively low-cost but impactful upgrades.

5. Improve Wall Insulation

Depending on your property type:

  • Cavity wall insulation

  • Internal wall insulation

  • External wall insulation

can significantly improve efficiency.

Detached and older properties benefit most from insulation improvements.

6. Upgrade Windows (If Necessary)

If your home still has single glazing, upgrading to double glazing improves:

  • Heat retention

  • EPC score

  • Buyer appeal

However, if windows are already double glazed, the EPC impact may be limited.

7. Consider Renewable Energy (If Budget Allows)

For higher-end properties, installing:

  • Solar panels

  • Solar water heating

can boost your EPC rating and market appeal.

This is a larger investment but can move properties up multiple bands.

8. Fix Simple Efficiency Gaps

Before reassessment, check:

  • Draught proofing around doors

  • Hot water cylinder insulation

  • Proper insulation of pipes

  • Working heating controls

Small fixes can add incremental points that push you into the next band.

Why Improve Before Selling?

In 2026:

  • Buyers compare EPC ratings closely

  • Mortgage lenders may consider energy efficiency

  • Poor ratings can lead to price negotiations

A property rated D may attract stronger offers than one rated F — even if structurally identical.

Check pricing for domestic EPC assessments:
https://epcrate.co.uk/pricing/

Meet our company:
https://epcrate.co.uk/about-us-epc-company-london/

When Should You Reassess?

Only book a new EPC after improvements are completed. Otherwise, the new certificate won’t reflect the upgrades.

Domestic EPCs are valid for 10 years, but if you’ve made improvements, a fresh certificate can help you market your home more effectively.

Final Advice for 2026 Sellers

Focus on:

✔ Lighting upgrades
✔ Loft insulation
✔ Heating system efficiency
✔ Smart controls
✔ Minor insulation improvements

These changes offer the best balance between cost and rating improvement.

Improving your Domestic EPC before selling isn’t just about compliance — it’s about maximising property value and buyer confidence.

Office: 150–160 City Road, London, EC1V 2NX
Phone: 020 3488 4142
Email: info@epcrate.co.uk