The short answer
EPC ratings run from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient), based on a SAP score from 1 to 100. A good rating is generally C or above, which corresponds to a SAP score of roughly 69 and over; bands A and B are excellent, D is around average, and E to G are considered poor. The average UK home sits at band D, around a SAP score of 60. Band C (69–80) is also the government's proposed minimum standard for rental properties from 2030. A higher band generally means lower energy bills and a more efficient home, and can be a selling point — but the rating is a guide based on standard assumptions, not a precise bill forecast.
The A–G banding can look arbitrary until you see the SAP scores behind it. Here is what each band means, and what counts as good for selling, letting or just lower bills.
The scale at a glance
- A92–100 SAP — excellent
- B81–91 SAP
- C69–80 SAP — good
- D55–68 SAP — average
- E–G54 and below — poor
How the bands and scores work
Every EPC gives a SAP score from 1 to 100 and translates it into a letter band. The bands are: A (92–100), B (81–91), C (69–80), D (55–68), E (39–54), F (21–38) and G (1–20). The higher the score, the more energy-efficient the property and, generally, the lower its running costs. The rating is calculated from the home's insulation, heating, glazing, lighting and any renewables, using standard assumptions — so it reflects the building, not how you personally use it.
| Band | SAP score | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| A | 92–100 | Excellent — very efficient |
| B | 81–91 | Very good |
| C | 69–80 | Good — government target for rentals (2030) |
| D | 55–68 | Average UK home |
| E–G | 54 and below | Poor — below the rental minimum below E |
Standard UK EPC bands and SAP ranges. Sources: trade and energy guides.
What counts as good for you
For most owners, band C or above is the sensible target: it signals lower bills, meets the proposed 2030 rental standard, and is attractive to buyers and tenants. The average UK home is band D, so reaching C usually means some improvement work. For landlords, the current legal floor is band E under the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards, with band C proposed from 2030 — so aiming for C now can future-proof a rental. Remember the rating is a standardised guide, useful for comparison rather than an exact bill prediction.
Want to know your property's band?
We'll match you with an accredited domestic energy assessor who assesses the property, confirms its band and lodges the certificate on the EPC Register.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good EPC rating?
A good EPC rating is generally C or above, equivalent to a SAP score of roughly 69 or higher. Bands A and B are excellent, D is around average, and E to G are considered poor.
What is the average EPC rating in the UK?
The average UK home sits at band D, around a SAP score of 60. Reaching band C usually requires some improvement work such as insulation, efficient heating or LED lighting.
What does the SAP score mean on an EPC?
The SAP score runs from 1 to 100 and is translated into the A–G band. A higher score means a more energy-efficient property and generally lower running costs, calculated from insulation, heating, glazing, lighting and renewables using standard assumptions.
Sources & further reading
Figures on this page are typical UK ranges drawn from published sources and depend on your specific property. They are guidance, not a quotation.