An EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) is a legal requirement when you sell or let a property in Brighton and Hove. It rates your home's energy efficiency on a scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient) and provides recommendations for improvements. Since the average rating in Brighton and Hove is D, with 60% of properties falling below EPC C, having an up-to-date certificate is essential for both buyers and tenants who are increasingly conscious of energy costs.

An EPC certificate is valid for 10 years from the date of issue. If you're selling or letting your property in Brighton and Hove, you'll need a current certificate. If your certificate is approaching expiry, it's worth renewing it, especially if you've made energy improvements to your home.

Loft insulation is the most commonly recommended improvement for properties in Brighton and Hove. This is particularly relevant given that many homes here are mid-20th century properties, which often lack adequate insulation. Adding or upgrading loft insulation is cost-effective, can significantly improve your EPC rating, and help reduce heating bills.

With 60% of properties in Brighton and Hove rated below EPC C, this largely reflects the age of the housing stock. Many homes are mid-20th century builds, constructed before modern energy efficiency standards. Older properties typically have poorer insulation, older heating systems, and single-glazed windows. However, targeted improvements like loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, and boiler upgrades can help improve ratings.

As a landlord in Brighton and Hove, you're legally required to provide an EPC to prospective tenants before they view the property. From April 2025, new regulations will require rental properties to achieve at least an EPC E rating, with further improvements required by 2028 and 2030. Given that the average rating here is D, many landlords should start planning energy improvements now to comply with upcoming standards.