Upgrade guide
The measures that move a rental to band C, in the right order.
Fabric first, cheapest points first, evidence throughout. Here's the playbook assessors and retrofit coordinators use.
Short answer
To get a rental property to EPC C: get a new EPC, do the cheap fabric wins (loft, draught-proofing, lighting, controls), then the main insulation, then heating or smart measures, and finish with a post-works EPC. Typical costs range from under £2,000 to the £10,000 cap.
The order of works
Five steps, in this order.
- Get a new EPC
Know the rating, the recommendations and what evidence to collect.
- Cheap wins first
Loft, draught-proofing, LEDs, cylinder insulation and heating controls.
- Main fabric
Cavity, floor and, where safe, solid wall insulation. Glazing if single.
- Heating or smart
Heat pump, storage heaters or boiler, or solar and battery for smart readiness.
- Post-works EPC
Prove the result. If you're short, you have the evidence for an exemption.
Costs and impact
What each measure costs and what it does.
Indicative ranges for a typical 2–3 bed home in 2026. Your EPC will say which measures apply and how many points each is worth.
| Measure | Metric | Impact | Typical cost | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loft insulation top-up to 270 mmCheap, quick and one of the best points-per-pound upgrades. | fabric | ●●○ | £500–£1,200 | Find installers |
| Cavity wall insulationCheck the wall is suitable first; exposure and existing fill matter. | fabric | ●●● | £1,500–£3,500 | Find installers |
| Draught-proofing doors, windows and hatchesLow cost and tenants notice it straight away. | fabric | ●○○ | £200–£700 | Find installers |
| Suspended timber floor insulationBest done at void periods when carpets are up. | fabric | ●●○ | £1,500–£4,000 | Find installers |
| Replace single glazing with double/tripleWorth doing where glazing is single or failed; otherwise low priority. | fabric | ●●○ | £4,000–£9,000 | Find installers |
| Internal wall insulation (per external room)Needs careful moisture detailing. Use a PAS 2035 route. | fabric | ●●● | £2,500–£5,000 | Find installers |
| External wall insulation (whole house)Big impact, big cost. Check planning and grant eligibility. | fabric | ●●● | £10,000–£20,000 | Find installers |
| Heating controls: programmer, room stat, TRVsA small, cheap gain that also cuts tenant bills. | heating | ●○○ | £250–£600 | Find installers |
| Insulated hot water cylinder and pipeworkA jacket costs pennies; a new cylinder costs more but helps. | heating | ●○○ | £50–£900 | Find installers |
| Efficient condensing boiler replacementOnly where the old boiler is non-condensing or failing. | heating | ●●○ | £2,500–£4,500 | Find installers |
| High heat-retention storage heatersOften the best move for flats without gas. | heating | ●●○ | £2,500–£5,000 | Find installers |
| Air source heat pump (after £7,500 grant)Boiler Upgrade Scheme can fund £7,500. Fabric first so it runs well. | heating | ●●● | £1,500–£7,000 | Find installers |
| Solar PV (3–4 kWp)Strong on smart readiness and tenant bills where the roof suits. | smart | ●●● | £5,000–£7,500 | Find installers |
| Home battery storagePairs with PV and time-of-use tariffs. | smart | ●●○ | £3,000–£6,000 | Find installers |
| Smart meterFree from the energy supplier. Ask your tenant to book it. | smart | ●○○ | Free | Find installers |
| Low-energy lighting throughoutTiny cost, and it removes an easy EPC recommendation. | fabric | ●○○ | £50–£200 | Find installers |
Do it safely
Bigger jobs need a retrofit coordinator.
Why PAS 2035 matters
Solid wall insulation, whole-house retrofits and most grant-funded works need a whole-house assessment, a ventilation strategy and a coordinator who signs the job off. Done badly, insulation can trap moisture and cause mould.
My Home Survey Ltd provides PAS 2035 retrofit coordination for landlords and local authorities.
Questions
Common questions
What is the cheapest way to get to EPC C?
Usually loft insulation, draught-proofing, low-energy lighting and heating controls, then cavity wall insulation where suitable.
Do I need a retrofit coordinator?
For solid wall insulation, whole-house retrofits and most grant-funded works, yes. PAS 2035 coordination manages moisture and ventilation risks.
Sources
- Warm Homes Plan (GOV.UK, January 2026)
- Boiler Upgrade Scheme (GOV.UK)
- Great British Insulation Scheme (GOV.UK)
- Energy Company Obligation (Ofgem)
Checked 18 September 2026. Regulations can change: always confirm on GOV.UK.
Know your number before you spend a penny.
An up-to-date EPC shows your rating and lists the measures that move it most. Book in 60 seconds on homesurvey.eu.