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how to improve sustainability and EPC ratings before selling
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if you’re planning to sell your home, improving the sustainability of the space could help you attract the right buyer 

In today’s competitive market, energy efficiency is one of the biggest factors influencing buyers’ decisions. Whether you’re getting ready to list your property or it’s already on the market, making your home more sustainable isn’t just good for the planet. It can help your property stand out, appeal to a wider pool of buyers, and increase your chances of selling quickly and potentially even secure a better price. Here’s what you need to know to do just that.  

what is an EPC and why does it matter? 

An Energy Performance Certificate, or EPC, rates your home's energy efficiency on a scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). It's a legal requirement to have a valid EPC in place before your property can be marketed for sale, and it gives buyers a clear picture of what they can expect to pay in energy bills. 

Here's a quick breakdown of the rating bands: 

  • A and B: Highly efficient, with low running costs and strong appeal to buyers 

  • C and D: Average efficiency, and the most common ratings found in UK homes 

  • E, F and G: Below average efficiency, which can make a property harder to sell and may put buyers off 

The higher your rating, the more appealing your home is likely to be, particularly to buyers who are mindful of rising energy costs. If you need help with obtaining an EPC certificate, speak with us to see how we can help.  

what’s happening with EPC regulations right now? 

Since June 2025, a new methodology called RdSAP 10 has been in use across the UK to estimate the energy performance of homes. It's a more detailed and accurate way of assessing your home's energy performance, and it takes into account things like: 

  • Your boiler type and fuel source 

  • The type and quality of your glazing 

  • Insulation levels throughout the property 

  • Smart heating controls and thermostats 

  • Precise floor area measurements 

What this means in practice is that some homes have seen their EPC rating change under the new methodology. If your EPC was issued before June 2025, it's well worth getting an updated assessment so you know exactly where you stand before you go to market. 

Looking further ahead, the government is also planning to replace RdSAP 10 with a brand-new methodology called the Home Energy Model (HEM), which is expected to launch in the second half of 2026. HEM will place even greater weight on insulation quality, low-carbon heating systems and smart home technology, so the direction of travel is clear. The more energy-efficient your home is, the better positioned you'll be, both now and in the future. 

how to improve your EPC rating before selling your home 

The good news is that you don't need to spend a fortune to make a meaningful difference. Here are some of the most effective improvements you can make: 

Insulation 

  • Loft insulation is one of the most cost-effective upgrades you can make. A well-insulated loft can save hundreds of pounds a year in energy bills. 

  • Cavity wall insulation is another high-impact improvement, particularly for homes built before the 1990s. 

  • Solid wall insulation, whether internal or external, is more of an investment but can significantly boost your rating if your home has solid walls. 

Heating 

  • Replacing an old boiler with a modern, energy-efficient condensing boiler can make a noticeable difference to your EPC score. 

  • Installing a smart thermostat is a relatively low-cost upgrade that is now factored into EPC assessments under RdSAP 10. 

  • If you're open to a bigger investment, a heat pump could push your rating into the higher bands and future-proof your home considerably ahead of the HEM transition. 

Windows and doors 

  • Upgrading to double or triple glazing improves both your EPC rating and your home's appeal to buyers. 

  • Draught-proofing doors and windows is a quick, affordable fix that can also make a real difference. 

Renewable energy 

  • Solar panels can have a significant positive impact on your EPC rating and are increasingly popular with buyers looking to reduce their energy bills. 

  • A solar battery storage system takes this a step further, allowing you to store energy generated during the day for use whenever you need it. 

You don’t need to make all of these improvements to boost your chances of selling your home. However, depending on your budget, even a few targeted upgrades can help improve your EPC rating and potentially secure better deals. 

how does a more sustainable home help you sell? 

Beyond the EPC rating itself, a more energy-efficient home sends a strong signal to buyers. It tells them that the property has been well maintained that their running costs will be lower, and that they won't need to factor in expensive upgrades once they've settled in. 

Getting your home market-ready is about more than the numbers, though. The way your property looks and feels can be just as persuasive as its energy credentials, so we've put together a handy guide on staging your home to help you put your best foot forward. It's well worth a read alongside this one. 

a quick checklist for sellers 

Before you list your property, run through this checklist to make sure you're in the best possible position: 

  • Get an up-to-date EPC under the RdSAP 10 law, especially if yours was issued before June 2025. 

  • Check whether any government grants or schemes apply to your property. 

  • Consider quick wins like draught-proofing, smart thermostats and loft insulation. 

  • Look into bigger upgrades if your rating is below a C and you have the budget. 

  • Keep an eye on the upcoming Home Energy Model changes due later in 2026. 

  • Make sure your home is presented beautifully alongside any efficiency improvements. 

ready to take the next step? 

Improving your home’s energy efficiency is a smart way to make it more sustainable while increasing your chances of achieving a strong sale price. If you need any guidance along your property journey, our team is here to help you understand what buyers in your area are looking for and how to present your home in the best possible light. Simply get in touch with us or pop into one of our branches. 

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