EPCs – partial response to consultation on changes published

Stephanie Cairns, Associate

On 21^st January 2026, the government published a partial response to the consultation on proposals to reform the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) regime. The response covers what the new EPCs will measure and when they will be required.

For domestic EPCs, four new headline metrics will be introduced to replace the existing single cost metric:

• Energy cost;
• Fabric performance;
• Heating system; and
• Smart readiness.

In addition, the new EPCs will retain a snapshot of modelled emissions produced by the building so that homeowners can better understand how to improve the property’s CO2 emissions.

For non-domestic EPCs, the single Environmental Impact Rating will be retained as the headline metric. Other points to note are as follows:

• The ten year validity period will be maintained;
• An EPC will be required at the point of marketing a property, rather than the point of sale or rent. This mirrors the current procedure for domestic properties; and
• A valid EPC will be required for a whole House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) when a single room is let, and for short term rental properties. EPC exemptions are to be removed for heritage properties.

A further response on the remainder of the consultation is expected later in 2026, with an ambitious implementation estimate of October 2026.