If you are buying, remortgaging, or letting a property, your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating could do more than tell you about heating bills, it can influence which mortgage deals you’re offered.
Why Your EPC Rating Matters for Mortgage Rates
A growing number of lenders now offer green mortgages with preferential rates, cashback, or higher borrowing amounts for energy efficient homes. As a general rule, properties with an A or B EPC rating are more likely to qualify for these better deals, while lower-rated homes may miss out or face closer scrutiny from a lender’s valuer.
That doesn’t mean a lower rating rules you out of a mortgage altogether, most lenders still look first at affordability, deposit, and credit profile. But if you’re comparing deals, checking the EPC rating early can tell you whether a green mortgage product is worth exploring before you apply.
Checking the EPC Before You Buy
Buying in England or Wales
You can check whether a property already has a valid EPC using the GOV.UK Find an Energy Certificate service, just search by postcode or address. This is worth doing before you view a property, so you know the rating (and any improvement recommendations) before you factor it into your offer or mortgage research.
Buying in Scotland
If you’re buying in Scotland, you don’t need to search separately as every property for sale on the open market must come with a Home Report, and a valid EPC is a required part of it. Ask the seller’s solicitor or estate agent for the Home Report, and the EPC will be included alongside the survey and property questionnaire.
What a Good EPC Rating Can Mean in Practice
| EPC Rating | Typical mortgage impact |
|---|---|
| A or B | Often eligible for green mortgage rates, cashback, or enhanced borrowing |
| C or D | Standard mortgage products apply; rating rarely a barrier |
| E, F or G | May need improvement works considered; some buy to let and green products may exclude these |
Lender criteria vary, so a rating that qualifies for a deal with one lender may not with another, it’s worth checking current product criteria rather than assuming.
Before You Apply
- Check the EPC (via GOV.UK, or the Home Report in Scotland) before viewing or offering
- Ask whether a green mortgage product could apply to your rating
- Don’t assume a low rating blocks your mortgage: affordability and property condition matter more
- If buying to let, check EPC-linked rental rules alongside lender criteria
Quick FAQ
Does a high EPC rating guarantee a better rate? No. It can open the door to green mortgage products, but you’ll still need to meet the lender’s normal affordability and credit criteria.
Where do I check a property’s EPC in England? Use the GOV.UK EPC register.
Do I need to order an EPC separately in Scotland? No as a valid EPC is legally required as part of the Home Report if the property is marketed on the open market.
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