London sees energy-efficient EPC ratings fall as total property assessments drop by 9.2%

A new study, conducted by Property Buyers Today, analysed EPC lodgements to reveal how the energy efficiency of EPC lodgements in London has changed between Q2 2025 and Q2 2026.

London saw 70,244 EPC lodgements in Q2 2026, down from 77,374 in Q2 2025, which is a decrease of 9.2 per cent. In London, the number of EPC lodgements receiving an A rating fell from 294 to 278, which is a decrease of 5.4 per cent.

The number of B-rated lodgements fell from 11,659 to 10,697, which is an 8.2 per cent decrease. When A and B ratings are combined, the number of lodgements receiving either rating fell from 11,953 to 10,975, an 8.2 per cent decrease.

C-rated lodgements decreased from 40,060 to 38,108, which is a 4.9 per cent fall. D-rated lodgements also fell, from 21,968 to 18,694, a 14.9 per cent decrease. E-rated lodgements fell from 2,793 to 2,065, a 26.1 per cent decrease. Lower-rated properties became less common, with F-rated lodgements falling by 30.3 per cent, from 426 to 297, and G-rated lodgements falling by 39.7 per cent, from 174 to 105.

Overall, the proportion of lodgements achieving an A or B EPC rating increased slightly from 15.45 per cent to 15.62 per cent, despite the number of A and B-rated lodgements falling, as total EPC lodgements also declined.

Shift Towards Retrofitting and Stable Top-Tier Ratings

Saif Derzi, Founder of Property Buyers Today, commented on the findings:

“One of the most notable findings in London is the decline in lower-rated EPC lodgements. This could reflect a combination of factors, including retrofit work improving the energy performance of older properties, or lower-rated homes being less likely to enter the market or require a new EPC during this period.

“This is important information for homeowners and buyers. EPC figures reflect properties being assessed during a particular period, so changes in the number of lodgements do not necessarily mean the existing housing stock has become more or less energy efficient. However, the slight increase in the proportion achieving an A or B rating suggests that highly efficient properties continue to make up a relatively stable share of the London market.

“For buyers, an EPC remains a useful indicator when considering the potential running costs and longer-term affordability of a property, particularly as energy efficiency becomes an increasingly important consideration when comparing homes.”