An estimated 18 million UK homes have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D or below, new analysis by Rightmove has indicated.

The property expert has warned there is an “urgent” need for the next Government to help homeowners and landlords make their homes greener.

Rightmove’s analysis considered both homes that have an EPC, and those that have never had one because they haven’t been sold or rented out since EPCs were introduced. It equates to over half (55%) of all UK housing stock.

Research by Rightmove among over 14,000 people has also shown that the biggest motivator for someone to make green changes to their home is if it could reduce their energy bills. This study revealed that 87% of renters and 83% of homeowners believe more action should be taken to help people make their homes greener.

Green improvements, if suitable for the home, could include window upgrades, roof or floor insulation, installing solar panels or moving from a gas boiler to a heat pump.

“While it’s a start to see some green support proposed in the party manifestos, there’s a big job to be done to address the widescale issue that at least 18 million UK homes need to be improved,” said Rightmove property expert, Tim Bannister.

“Many homeowners and landlords need urgent access to schemes that enable them to make these improvements, which could help with huge savings on energy bills. Each home requires different improvements, and the upfront costs are a huge barrier to change.”

Rightmove has also urged whichever party wins the election to prioritise making green home incentives available to as many homes as possible, to help the millions of homes that need to be improved.

“Without more help, many homeowners and tenants will continue to live in high-carbon emitting homes with high energy costs,” Bannister added.

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