New data from Spring and Propalt has revealed the areas in the UK where rental properties have the worst EPC ratings, with Cleethorpes scoring highest
New data from Spring and Propalt has revealed the areas where rental properties have the worst energy performance certificate (EPC) ratings, with Cleethorpes and Barrow-in-Furness performing the poorest.
An EPC rating gives detailed information about a property’s energy efficiency and emissions
Whenever a property is built, sold or rented out in England and Wales, an accredited assessor must carry out an EPC ratings report on behalf of the property developer and homeowners.
However, research reveals that only 53% of all UK properties have a registered EPC and 58% of those with a registered EPC are rated between categories D-G, which means they are more expensive to run and not as environmentally friendly.
The government has advised landlords in England and Wales that by 2025 all rental properties must have an EPC rating of ‘C’ or above.
Rental properties with the worst EPC ratings were mostly in the North West and East Midlands
The data analysis found that rented out homes in Cleethorpes (Lincolnshire), Barrow-in-Furness (Cumbria), Westcliff-on-Sea (Essex), Grimsby (Lincolnshire) and Accrington (Lancashire) have the worst ratings in the UK.
Of the 683 landlord-owned homes in Cleethorpes, 80% have a D-G rating; while in Barrow-in-Furness 1,067 (79%) rented properties have the lower ratings.
Seventy-two percent of Westcliff-on-Sea and Grimsby rental homes have D-G ratings, while Accrington stands at 71%, meaning costly works for landlords to bring their homes up to the required standards.
Concerns have been raised about whether landlords can afford to make the required upgrades
Research from Habito suggests costs of up to £6,000 to upgrade a one-bedroom property from rating D-C, rising significantly for larger homes.
With so many rental properties having such poor EPC ratings, the need to upgrade will be urgent for many landlords.
Cormac Henderson, CEO of Spring, comments: “A staggering amount of homes in the UK are not up to scratch in terms of energy performance, not only making them expensive to run but having a significant negative impact on the environment at a time when the climate crisis is front and centre of the global agenda. There appears to be a trend with a higher proportion of properties in the north having poorer energy efficiency.”
“With many landlords already facing rising costs, many of which are passed onto tenants, they will have a decision to make as to whether the cost of upgrading their properties is worth it or consider exiting the market as many have suggested.”
