If you have been following the proposed changes to Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs), you may have heard that the familiar EPC system is due for a major overhaul.
Those changes are still coming – but not quite as soon as originally expected.
The Government has confirmed that the introduction of the new-style domestic EPC has been pushed back to the second half of 2027.
So, what does this mean if you own, sell or let a property in Bromley, Beckenham, Orpington, Chislehurst or the surrounding areas?
What is changing with EPCs?
At present, domestic properties receive the familiar A–G EPC rating, based primarily on an Energy Efficiency Rating (EER).
The Government has decided that future domestic EPCs will provide a much broader picture of a property’s energy performance.
The new system is expected to use four headline metrics:
- Fabric Performance – how effectively the building retains heat
- Heating System – the efficiency and performance of the property’s heating
- Smart Readiness – the property’s ability to use smart energy technologies
- Energy Cost – the modelled cost of running the property
Rather than concentrating so heavily on one overall rating, the intention is to give homeowners, buyers, tenants and landlords a clearer understanding of why a property performs as it does.
Why have the changes been delayed?
The Government had previously been working towards introducing the reformed domestic EPC system sooner.
However, following discussions with the energy assessment industry, it confirmed in March 2026 that the launch would be moved to the second half of 2027.
This is a substantial change because the new EPCs will also use a new assessment methodology based on the Home Energy Model (HEM).
HEM will ultimately replace the methodology currently used to calculate domestic EPC ratings.
For now, however, existing EPC assessments continue to operate under the current system.
Does my existing EPC remain valid?
Yes.
The postponement of the new EPC system does not suddenly make existing EPCs invalid.
If you already have a valid EPC, it will normally remain valid for its usual validity period unless circumstances mean that you need or choose to obtain a new assessment.
If you are selling or letting a property and need an EPC now, there is therefore little reason to postpone the assessment simply because a new EPC system is on its way.
Why the changes are particularly important for landlords
For landlords, the EPC reforms are about much more than the appearance of the certificate.
The Government has confirmed plans to raise the energy-efficiency requirements applying to privately rented homes in England and Wales.
Under the current Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards, properties covered by the regulations generally need an EPC rating of at least E, unless a valid exemption applies.
The Government’s future standard is significantly more demanding.
The current plan is for privately rented homes to meet the equivalent of EPC C by 1 October 2030, unless an appropriate exemption or transitional provision applies.
This means landlords with properties currently rated D or E should already be thinking about the improvements their properties may require.
An important opportunity before October 2029
One of the most significant details for landlords concerns properties that achieve EPC C under the existing Energy Efficiency Rating system.
The Government has confirmed transitional arrangements under which a privately rented property achieving an EPC rating of C or above before 1 October 2029 can be treated as compliant with the future standard until that EPC expires.
For some landlords, this could make obtaining advice and carrying out appropriate improvements well before 2030 particularly worthwhile.
However, every property is different. Spending thousands of pounds on improvements without first understanding how they are likely to affect the property’s EPC is rarely a sensible approach.
Don’t automatically follow every EPC recommendation
An EPC contains recommendations showing measures that could improve the property’s energy performance.
But that doesn’t necessarily mean every recommendation is equally appropriate for your property.
The best improvement will depend on factors such as:
- the existing EPC rating and how close it is to the next band
- wall, roof and floor construction
- insulation already present
- heating and hot-water systems
- windows and glazing
- ventilation
- property age and construction type
- the likely cost of each improvement
- how the assessment methodology treats different technologies
For landlords in particular, the objective may not simply be to achieve the highest possible EPC rating. It may be to identify the most practical and cost-effective route towards future compliance.
What should Bromley landlords do now?
If you own a rental property currently rated D or E, 2030 may sound a long way away.
In property terms, it isn’t.
Energy-efficiency work can become considerably more complicated when it is left until the last minute, particularly if improvements need to be coordinated with refurbishment work or between tenancies.
Finding out where your property currently stands gives you time to plan.
At EPC Bromley, we can carry out an EPC assessment and, where required, provide a more detailed Landlord Energy Report looking at the property’s current performance and potential improvements.
This can help you understand which measures are worth investigating before committing to potentially expensive work.
What about homeowners planning to sell?
The forthcoming changes shouldn’t discourage homeowners from obtaining an EPC either.
An EPC remains an important part of marketing a property for sale, and buyers are increasingly interested in energy efficiency, particularly when comparing the likely running costs of different homes.
If you’re preparing a property for sale, EPC Bromley can also produce a floor plan during the same visit, avoiding the need to arrange separate appointments.
Local EPC Assessments Across Bromley and Surrounding Areas
EPC Bromley provides domestic energy assessments for:
- homeowners selling their property
- private landlords
- letting and estate agents
- property investors and refurbishers
- homeowners requiring an EPC for remortgaging or other purposes
We cover Bromley, Beckenham, Orpington, Chislehurst, West Wickham, Hayes, Petts Wood, Bickley, Shortlands and surrounding areas, as well as parts of South East London, Croydon and North West Kent.
We also provide Floor Plans, Landlord Energy Reports and Legionella Risk Assessments.
Need an EPC or advice about improving your property’s rating?
Whether you’re selling a home, letting a property or simply want to understand how your property is likely to be affected by future energy-efficiency requirements, getting an up-to-date assessment is a useful place to start.
Contact EPC Bromley to arrange your EPC assessment or to discuss a Landlord Energy Report.
Please note: Government energy-efficiency policy and EPC regulations continue to develop. Information in this article reflects the position in August 2026 and should not be regarded as legal advice.