MEES Band C by 2030: what it will cost and how to prepare your portfolio

The government has confirmed that Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards for privately rented properties in England will rise from the current EPC Band E to Band C by 2030. A spending cap of up to £15,000 per property is expected.

What this means in practice

If your property is currently rated D, E, F, or G, you will need to make energy efficiency improvements to reach Band C, or invest up to the spending cap and then register for an exemption if the property still cannot reach Band C.

The most common improvements include loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, draught-proofing, boiler upgrades, double glazing, and in some cases, heat pumps or solar panels.

Typical costs

For a property rated D, reaching Band C typically costs between £5,000 and £12,000 depending on the property type and age. Older properties, solid-wall construction, and properties without gas central heating tend to be more expensive.

For properties rated E or below, costs can exceed £15,000. That is where the spending cap becomes relevant. If you invest up to the cap and still cannot reach Band C, you can register for an exemption.

The EPC itself may change

The government has indicated that the EPC assessment methodology may change before 2030. A new metric could assess energy efficiency differently, potentially affecting which properties meet the standard. This is a reason to act sooner rather than later. Early improvements based on current EPC recommendations may still be valid under a revised system.

Start now

Get current EPCs for every property in your portfolio. Identify which ones fall below Band C. Get quotes for the most cost-effective improvements. Budget for £5,000 to £15,000 per property over the next four years.