New research from Upgraded Intelligence shows that 90,830 private rented sector (PRS) homes in England and Wales have improved their EPC ratings to C or above. This represents approximately 36% of the 250,017 homes that initially had an EPC rating below C.
Despite this progress, 159,187 properties, or 64% of those initially below C, still have an EPC rating below C. Hakim Parr from Upgraded Intelligence noted that many of the properties that achieved a higher rating were initially only one band below C, starting at D.
The findings come as the government has proposed that all PRS homes must meet EPC C targets by 2030. The government also plans a property value adjustment exemption for homes worth less than £100,000, which would reduce the maximum required investment to 10% of the property’s value.
Propertymark has welcomed the proposed £10,000 cost cap but warned that many older buildings may still struggle to meet the required standard within this limit. Timothy Douglas, head of policy and campaigns at Propertymark, stated that landlords need clearer guidance, long-term policy stability, and greater financial assistance.