When buying or letting out a property the EPC rating can have a larger impact than expected as it is not just legal compliance. It can influence your mortgage options, ongoing energy costs, and even your long-term returns. Whether you are a first-time buyer, a home mover, or a landlord, understanding how EPC ratings fit into the bigger picture is essential.
When applying for a mortgage, particularly for buy-to-let or investment properties, the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is NOT just a formality. It carries financial, regulatory, and environmental importance.
At Nachu Finance, we are not energy advisers, but we do take a holistic approach to mortgage planning, and EPC considerations are an important part of the advice we provide.
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) provides an energy efficiency rating for a property on a scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). It is a legal requirement in the UK when:
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Selling a property
Letting out a property
The EPC is valid for 10 years and can be easily checked and downloaded via the government portal: https://www.gov.uk/find-energy-certificate. All you will need is the postcode and door number. There is no cost involved in downloading the EPC certificate.
To let out a property, it must have a minimum EPC rating of E. Properties rated F or G cannot legally be rented, and mortgage lenders will typically reject applications for such properties until the EPC is improved.
So, if you’re looking to mortgage a property without a valid or acceptable EPC, this must be addressed before proceeding with the mortgage application.
The UK Government has proposed that all rental properties must achieve a minimum EPC rating of C:
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By 2028 for new tenancies
By 2030 for all existing tenancies
While implementation has been pushed back more than once, landlords should not wait. Planning now will help avoid rushed decisions, potentially higher costs, and non-compliance penalties down the line.
Many mortgage lenders offer special ‘green’ mortgage products for energy-efficient homes:
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Properties with an EPC rating of A or B often qualify
Some lenders also accept properties with a C rating
These green products may include lower interest rates or cashback offers. As a part of our process, we always check your property’s EPC rating to see if you’re eligible for these incentives.
Getting a new EPC is straightforward:
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Cost: Typically, between £40 – £120
Timeframe: Surveyor visit required; reports usually available in 1–3 working days
Finding a provider: A quick Google search for “EPC assessor near me” or “get an EPC certificate” will give you a list of local accredited providers who can carry out the assessment and issue the certificate.
Each EPC includes recommendations for energy improvements, including:
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Insulation upgrades
Boiler or heating system improvements
Double glazing
Renewable energy installations
These improvements not only bring your property in line with regulatory requirements, but also:
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Reduce tenants’ energy bills
Attract environmentally conscious renters
Contribute to long-term property valuebr>
We actively encourage energy efficiency and can help direct you to trusted resources and professionals, though we don’t directly provide EPC improvement advice.
While many focus solely on rates and repayments, at Nachu Finance we take a holistic view of your property journey-from suitability and compliance, to long-term value and tenant appeal.
If the property you are considering does not have an EPC or falls short of the requirements, this is an important discussion to have before applying for a mortgage.
Mortgage Planning That Goes Beyond the Basics
If you’re buying or refinancing a property and want mortgage advice that factors in more than just numbers-you’re in the right place. At Nachu Finance, we’ll help ensure every aspect of your mortgage journey is well thought through, including EPC compliance and opportunities for green incentives.
Contact us today to benefit from whole-of-market advice, experience-driven insights, and a tech-savvy, transparent approach.
