Big Changes Ahead: What the New EPC Rules Mean for You and Your Property

EPCs Are Evolving: What Homeowners, Landlords & Tenants Need to Know About RdSAP 10

Big changes are coming to how we measure how energy-efficient our homes are. This system uses something called an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), which is like a label that tells you how good your home is at saving energy. These changes are happening because the method used to create EPCs, called RdSAP, is getting a major update. The new version, RdSAP 10, is the biggest change in over ten years.

What's Changing and Why?

The main goal of RdSAP 10 is to make EPCs more accurate and helpful. Right now, EPCs sometimes don't quite reflect how a home is actually used or how much energy it truly saves. The update aims to fix this by:

  • Getting more detailed information: When an energy assessor comes to your home, they'll now look for more specific details. This includes the exact type and condition of your windows, specific information about your heating system (like its model number), and whether you have smart heating controls. If you've made improvements, like adding insulation or new windows, these will only count towards a better EPC if you can show proof, like receipts or paperwork.
  • Better assessment of heating systems: In the past, if an assessor couldn't find details about your heating system, they'd use a general guess, which often made the system seem less efficient than it was. RdSAP 10 will now try to use real evidence first. If no documents are available, the system's efficiency might be rated lower, which could affect your home's EPC score.
  • More accurate measurements: The way they calculate the size of your home and how well insulated it is will also be improved. This means the EPC will have a clearer picture of how much heat your home keeps in and how much energy it uses.
  • Fairer treatment for flats and terraced homes: The old system sometimes didn't accurately account for how heat moves in flats or mid-terrace properties. RdSAP 10 will adjust these calculations, which could lead to better EPC ratings for these types of homes.

What Does This Mean for You?

These changes mean that the documentation you have about your home improvements will become very important.

  • For landlords and agents: If you own a property you rent out, you'll need to be more organised with your records. EPCs are already required for renting properties, and your home needs to meet a minimum standard (currently an E rating in England and Wales). If your EPC rating drops because you can't provide evidence of improvements, it could stop you from renting out your property. So, keeping receipts and records for things like insulation, heating upgrades, and double glazing is crucial. It's a good idea to start gathering these documents now, before the changes come into effect.
  • For tenants and homeowners: These more accurate EPCs mean you can have more confidence in the energy efficiency information for a home. If you're a tenant, you might use this to find homes that are more energy-efficient, potentially saving you money on your bills. If you're a homeowner looking to sell, a more accurate EPC can help you showcase the energy-saving improvements you've made, as long as you have the proof.

EPC blog banner June 2025

At Dawsons, we’re ready to support you through these changes.  
Need Help? If you have questions about how these new regulations impact you, our team is here to help. We’re committed to making the process of change as smooth as possible for everyone involved.

TO CONTACT ANY OF OUR TEAM: CLICK HERE


Share: