Detailed consideration of retrofitting existing properties to enhance their carbon performance is becoming increasingly commonplace within the political agendas of councils across London, according to a new report by Savills.

While the energy performance of residential buildings can be quantified across a host of differing metrics, the EPC ratings provide a good base for analysis.

Since 1 April 2020, properties to be let must achieve an EPC rating of E or higher and if the government’s current proposed EPC reforms are also adopted, then from 2025, properties to be newly let must achieve an EPC rating of C or higher and from 2028, properties to be newly let, or continuing tenancies, must achieve an EPC rating of C or higher.

Savills Earth identified all registered EPC ratings for residential and commercial properties in London, allowing comparisons to be made between existing EPC standards and the relevant requirements and timescales outlined above.   

The research indicated that 35% of residential properties in London (with a registered EPC rating) currently have a rating lower than EPC C, the required standard as of 2025.

However, the research also suggested that office properties are even worse, with around 73% currently have a rating of EPC D or lower. This percentage jumps alarmingly to 96%, when considering premises with an EPC rating of C or lower.