Property website Rightmove has issued an urgent appeal to the next government to assist homeowners and landlords in making their properties more energy efficient. The company estimates that 18 million homes in the UK have an energy performance certificate (EPC) rating of D or lower.
These figures include both homes with existing EPCs and those that have never been assessed, typically because they haven’t been sold or rented out since the introduction of EPCs. This amounts to over half (55%) of all housing stock in the country.
Rightmove’s Energy Bills Tracker reveals a stark contrast in energy bills between homes with different energy efficiency ratings. Analysis of government data shows that a three-bedroom house with an EPC rating of F has an average annual energy bill of £4,431, compared to just £1,669 for a similarly sized house with an EPC rating of C – a significant difference of £2,762.
Potential green improvements to homes include upgrading windows, adding roof or floor insulation, installing solar panels, or replacing gas boilers with heat pumps.
A recent Rightmove survey of over 14,000 people found that the primary motivation for making such green changes is the potential reduction in energy bills. The study also revealed that 87% of renters and 83% of homeowners believe more needs to be done to support greener homes.
Tim Bannister, a property expert at Rightmove, emphasized the urgency of government intervention. “While it’s encouraging to see some green initiatives in the party manifestos, there’s a significant task ahead. At least 18 million UK homes require energy efficiency improvements,” he stated.
Bannister stressed the necessity for accessible schemes to help homeowners and landlords make these vital upgrades, pointing out the substantial savings on energy bills that could result. “Each home needs different improvements, and the upfront costs are a significant barrier. Without more assistance, many will continue living in high-carbon, high-cost homes,” he warned.
Rightmove is calling on whichever party wins the upcoming election to prioritize making green home incentives available to as many properties as possible, as swiftly as possible.