The challenge of older properties

In November 2021 the office of national statistics released a report on the energy efficiency of homes in England and Wales.

Median rating of D

Consistent with other similar reports the median rating of properties was D. Unsurprisingly for most landlords, new build properties proved to be more energy efficient than older properties.

A key finding of the report was that properties built after 2012 had a much higher energy efficiency rating than older properties. These newer builds had a median efficiency rating of B, while properties built before 1900 had a rating of E.

Band D rating

Properties built in the Edwardian period through to 1929 also performed less well with a median rating of D. A little more surprisingly those built in the 50 years between the early 1930’s and 1982 also had a similar rating and it is not until we reach houses built after 1983 that we reach a median rating of C.

Clear implications for landlords of older properties

Evidence is that landlords of older properties are much more likely to face significant challenges when trying to reach the governments EPC target. The older the property, the more significant the gap between the current rating and the government target.

Other factors at play

While the age of the property is important, other factors influence EPC performance. One example is property type. Flats and maisonettes achieved the highest energy efficiency rating with a median of band C, while terrace, semi detached and detached houses were rated D.

Landlords might take note that in England rented properties tended to score less well than owner occupied properties or social housing, which was not always the case in Wales.

You can get the full report here