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D to C EPC Upgrade Costs

D-rated properties are often the easiest and most cost-effective to upgrade to the required C rating. Here's what it typically costs.

DC

D to C EPC Upgrade Costs: The Good News for Landlords

Most D-rated properties can reach EPC C for under £3,000. Here's exactly what to expect.

Written by EPCGuide Team
10 min read

Landlord reviewing EPC certificate showing D rating in a British rental property

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If your rental property currently has an EPC rating of D, you are in a relatively good position. D-rated properties typically require modest improvements to reach the required C rating, often achievable well within the £10,000 cost cap.

The jump from D to C is one of the most common upgrade paths for landlords, and the good news is that it is usually straightforward. Most D-rated properties can reach C with just two or three targeted improvements, keeping costs manageable and avoiding the need for major structural work.

What a D Rating Actually Means

A D rating covers EPC scores from 55 to 68 points. This is currently the most common rating band for rental properties in the UK, representing properties that have some energy efficiency measures in place but fall short of modern standards.

Typical D-Rated Property Profile

  • Built between 1950s-1980s
  • Usually has cavity walls (often unfilled)
  • Double glazed (at least partially)
  • Some loft insulation (but often thin)
  • Gas central heating with older boiler

Why D is a Good Starting Point

  • Only need 1-13 more points for C
  • Low-hanging fruit improvements available
  • Rarely requires expensive solid wall work
  • Usually well within cost cap

How Many Points Do You Need?

The minimum score for a C rating is 69 points. If your property currently scores in the D band, here is how many points you need to gain:

55
Current score
+14 points needed
60
Current score
+9 points needed
65
Current score
+4 points needed

Most Cost-Effective Upgrades for D to C

For D-rated properties, certain improvements offer exceptional value. These are the upgrades you should consider first:

Best Value Improvements for D to C

ImprovementLow EstimateHigh Estimate
Cavity wall insulation+8 to 12 EPC points. Best value if walls are unfilled.£800£1,500
Loft insulation top-up (to 300mm)+4 to 8 EPC points. Inexpensive, high impact.£400£600
Smart heating controls+2 to 4 EPC points. Quick win, easy install.£200£400
Draught proofing+2 to 4 EPC points. Low cost, noticeable impact.£200£400
LED lighting upgrade+1 to 2 EPC points. DIY possible.£100£200
Hot water cylinder jacket+1 to 2 EPC points. If you have a cylinder.£20£50

Points gained are estimates and vary by property. A professional EPC assessment will confirm actual improvements.

Tradesperson installing smart heating controls in a British rental property

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Typical Upgrade Scenarios

Here are three realistic scenarios showing what D to C upgrades look like in practice, including costs and expected outcomes.

Scenario 1: 1970s Semi with Unfilled Cavity Walls

Property Details

  • 3-bedroom semi-detached
  • Built 1972
  • Current EPC: D (score 58)
  • Cavity walls (unfilled)
  • Some loft insulation (100mm)
  • Double glazed
  • 10-year-old gas boiler

Recommended Improvements

  • Cavity wall insulation: £1,000 (+10 points)
  • Loft insulation top-up: £500 (+5 points)
  • Smart heating controls: £300 (+3 points)
Total Investment
£1,800
D58C~76

Scenario 2: 1980s House with Partial Upgrades Already Done

Property Details

  • 3-bedroom detached
  • Built 1985
  • Current EPC: D (score 62)
  • Cavity walls (already insulated)
  • Loft insulation (150mm)
  • Full double glazing
  • Old combi boiler (15+ years)

Recommended Improvements

  • Loft insulation top-up: £500 (+4 points)
  • Smart heating controls: £300 (+3 points)
  • Draught proofing: £300 (+2 points)
Total Investment
£1,100
D62C~71

Scenario 3: Harder Case - Easy Wins Already Done

Property Details

  • 2-bedroom end terrace
  • Built 1965
  • Current EPC: D (score 56)
  • Cavity walls (already insulated)
  • Loft fully insulated (300mm)
  • Full double glazing
  • 8-year-old gas boiler (efficient)

Recommended Improvements

  • Smart heating controls: £300 (+3 points)
  • Draught proofing: £300 (+2 points)
  • LED lighting: £150 (+2 points)
  • Floor insulation: £1,000 (+3 points)
  • TRVs on radiators: £200 (+1 point)
Total Investment
£1,950
D56C~67-69

Note: This property is borderline. If the measures above don't quite reach C, the next option would be a new boiler (£3,000) which would guarantee reaching C but significantly increases total cost.

Professional loft insulation installation in a British home

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

Your Next Steps

  1. 1

    Find your exact EPC score

    Check your existing EPC certificate or search the EPC register. Note the numerical score, not just the letter grade.

  2. 2

    Check your wall construction

    Determine if you have cavity or solid walls, and whether cavity walls are already insulated.

  3. 3

    Use our calculator

    Get a personalised estimate based on your property details and current EPC.

  4. 4

    Get quotes for targeted improvements

    Based on your gap to C, obtain quotes only for the improvements you actually need.

Calculate Your D to C Costs

Enter your property details and current EPC to see exactly what improvements you need and what they will cost.

Sources

Energy Saving Trust: Home insulation and energy efficiency guides(accessed January 2026)(opens in new tab)GOV.UK: Energy Performance Certificates(accessed January 2026)(opens in new tab)

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