Energy ratings, upgrades and grants
What EPC ratings mean, the landlord minimum (E now, C from 2030), and the main grants and tax breaks for upgrades.
Every home sold or let needs an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), rated A to G. Each Plotlumen report shows the certificate's own recommended upgrades with typical costs and savings.
Landlords in England and Wales can't normally let a home rated F or G today. The government has confirmed that privately rented homes will need band C or above (or a registered exemption) from 1 October 2030, with a spending cap reported at £10,000 per property. Check the latest GOV.UK guidance before planning work.
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme in England and Wales gives a grant (£7,500 for most heat pumps) through an MCS-certified installer; higher amounts and dates have changed during 2026, so check the current GOV.UK notice.
Installing energy-saving materials such as insulation, heat pumps, solar panels and batteries in homes is currently zero-rated for VAT until 31 March 2027, unless the government extends it.
Use the Works planner to price insulation and other work, and set VAT to 0% where the relief applies.
What to check
- Current EPC band and the recommended upgrades in your report
- Is your installer MCS-certified (needed for the heat pump grant)?
- Will the work be finished before the VAT relief ends?
Who can help
An energy assessor or retrofit coordinator; an MCS-certified installer for heat pumps and solar.
Official sources
- GOV.UK: find an energy certificate
- GOV.UK: Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant values
- GOV.UK: private rented property minimum energy standard
Checked 5 November 2026. General information for England and Wales, not legal advice.