A good EPC rating is generally considered to be C or above. Bands A and B indicate stronger assessed energy performance, while properties in bands D to G receive progressively lower scores.
An Energy Performance Certificate, usually called an EPC, gives a property a letter rating and a numerical score. It helps buyers and tenants compare homes and can show owners where improvements may be possible.
The numerical score provides more detail than the letter alone. A property scoring 68 sits only one point below band C, while another property scoring 55 is also in band D but is close to band E.
This guide covers domestic EPCs in England and Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland operate separate certificate services and may have different requirements.
EPC ratings from A to G
Domestic EPC ratings use the following bands:
- A: 92 or above
- B: 81 to 91
- C: 69 to 80
- D: 55 to 68
- E: 39 to 54
- F: 21 to 38
- G: 1 to 20
Band A is the highest rating and band G is the lowest. A higher score indicates stronger assessed energy performance under the method used to produce the certificate.
The Office for National Statistics explains EPC bands and recorded housing performance in England and Wales.
What each EPC band means
Band A is the highest EPC rating and indicates very strong assessed energy performance.
Band B also indicates strong performance. It is more common among recently built homes and properties with effective insulation, heating and other energy-related features.
Band C is generally considered a good rating. A C-rated home will usually have a more effective combination of insulation, heating, glazing and controls than a similar property in a lower band.
Band D sits immediately below C. The numerical score shows whether the property is close to band C or band E.
Band E indicates weaker assessed performance. It is also the current minimum rating for most private rented homes covered by the relevant requirements in England and Wales, unless an exemption applies.
Bands F and G are the lowest EPC ratings. The certificate may identify several measures that could improve the property’s assessed performance.
These descriptions are general guides. An EPC rating does not confirm the condition of a property or predict what a particular household will pay for energy.
Is an EPC rating of C good?
Yes. C is generally considered a good EPC rating, although A and B represent stronger assessed energy performance.
The latest published figures show that the median score among EPC records analysed for the ten years to March 2025 was 69, or band C, in England. The median for Wales was 68, at the top of band D.
The figures relate to properties included in the EPC records analysed rather than every home in England and Wales.
A property scoring 69 has only just reached band C, while one scoring 80 is close to band B. Checking the numerical score gives you a more precise comparison than relying on the letter alone.
Is an EPC rating of D bad?
A D rating is not one of the lowest EPC bands, but it represents weaker assessed performance than bands A to C.
The numerical score makes a difference. A D-rated property scoring 68 is only one point below C, while a score of 55 is close to E.
A D rating does not automatically mean that a property is unsuitable, uncomfortable or expensive to run. Its construction, condition, heating system, household size and use of energy will affect actual costs and comfort.
The certificate’s suggested improvements may show how the property could achieve a higher score.
Understanding an EPC certificate
An EPC normally includes:
- The current score and rating
- The potential score and rating
- Estimated energy use and costs under standard conditions
- Information recorded about the property and its heating
- Suggested energy-efficiency improvements
The current rating reflects the features recorded when the property was assessed.
The potential rating estimates what the property might achieve if the suggested improvements were completed. It is not a guaranteed future score.
Energy-use and cost estimates are based on standard assumptions. They are not calculated from the current occupant’s bills and should not be treated as a prediction of what another household will pay.
An EPC reflects the property at the time of the assessment. Improvements completed later may not appear unless a new assessment has been carried out.
How to check a property’s EPC
An EPC is normally valid for 10 years, although it may not reflect improvements completed after the assessment date.
Use the government’s Find an energy certificate service to search for and download a certificate for a property in England, Wales or Northern Ireland. Scotland has a separate register.
Check:
- The issue and expiry dates
- The current numerical score and rating
- The potential score and rating
- The heating system recorded on the certificate
- The suggested improvements
If work has been completed since the assessment, ask what was installed and whether supporting records are available.
EPC ratings for new-build homes
New homes generally receive higher EPC ratings because they are built to more recent standards.
New dwellings in England and Wales had a median EPC score of 84, or band B, in the five years to March 2025. This does not mean that every newly built home receives a B rating.
Modern homes may include effective insulation, efficient glazing, controlled ventilation and newer heating systems from the outset. These features can contribute to a higher score.
Find out more in our guide to EPCs for new-build homes.
Older properties can also achieve good ratings where suitable improvements have been completed. A home’s age does not determine its rating on its own.
Improving an EPC rating
The recommendations on a property’s EPC are the most relevant starting point because they relate to features recorded during its assessment.
Depending on the home, suggested measures may include:
- Adding or increasing loft insulation
- Insulating suitable walls or floors
- Improving heating controls
- Updating an inefficient heating or hot-water system
- Installing low-energy fixed lighting
- Improving windows where appropriate
- Adding solar panels or another suitable energy system
No single measure guarantees a particular score. Not every suggestion will be suitable, permitted or cost-effective for every property.
Consider the home’s construction, ventilation and condition before work begins. Permission or consent may also be required, particularly for listed, leasehold or rented properties.
The costs and savings shown on an EPC are estimates rather than quotations or guaranteed results. Obtain current quotations and appropriate technical advice before committing to substantial work.
Completing improvements does not automatically update the EPC on the public register. A new assessment may be needed to record the changes and calculate a new score.
EPC ratings for rental properties
In England and Wales, most private rented homes covered by the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard currently need an EPC rating of E or above, unless a valid exemption applies.
The requirements do not apply in the same way to every property or tenancy. Landlords should check the government’s current minimum energy-efficiency guidance for landlords before letting a property, arranging work or making a compliance decision.
Rental requirements and EPC assessment methods can change. An existing rating should not be treated as evidence that a property will meet every future requirement.
The best EPC rating
Band A is the best EPC rating and begins at a score of 92. Bands B and C also represent comparatively strong assessed energy performance.
For a simple answer, C or above is generally considered a good EPC rating. Check the numerical score, certificate date, potential rating and suggested improvements to understand the property more fully.
An EPC can help you compare homes, but it is not a structural survey or a guarantee of future energy costs.
This article provides general information about domestic Energy Performance Certificates in England and Wales. It is not legal, surveying or technical energy-efficiency advice. Requirements and assessment methods may change. Check current government guidance and obtain appropriate professional advice before making property, improvement or compliance decisions.
