EPC rating G
SAP score 1–20. The lowest band. Below the legal minimum for letting.
What band G means
Band G covers SAP scores from 1 to 20 — the least efficient homes on the register, often with no insulation and no central heating.
Typical properties
Uninhabited or long neglected properties, and homes heated entirely by electric room heaters.
Quotes for the work
Heating is usually the single biggest item on a band G property. Insulation comes first, but a quote tells you what the heating step would cost.
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Getting from band G to band C
Worked from a SAP score of 11, in the middle of band G, for an average sized property with nothing done yet. Cheapest measures first.
| Measure | Cost | Score after |
|---|---|---|
| Hot water cylinder insulation | £20–£60 | 13 |
| Loft insulation to 270 mm | £100–£350 | 17 |
| Low energy lighting throughout | £25–£90 | 18 |
| Cavity wall insulation | £600–£1,800 | 27 |
| Heating controls and TRVs | £350–£900 | 30 |
| Condensing gas boiler | £2,200–£3,600 | 38 |
| Solar PV, 3 kWp | £5,000–£8,000 | 49 |
| Internal solid wall insulation | £4,000–£14,000 | 61 |
| Double glazing throughout | £3,300–£6,500 | 64 |
| Air source heat pump | £9,000–£14,000 | 70 |
About £24,595 to £49,300 in total. Use the upgrade cost calculator for your own score.
Common questions
Can I sell a property with an EPC rating of G?
Yes. There is no minimum band for selling in England & Wales — you only need a valid certificate before the property is marketed.
Can I let a property with an EPC rating of G?
Not without a registered exemption. Band E is the current minimum for a private rented home.
How do I improve the rating?
Insulation first, then heating and controls, then generation. Cheap measures such as loft insulation and cylinder insulation buy SAP points for a fraction of the cost of new windows or a heat pump.