EPC potential is C - can I make it better?

[LoyalGuide]

Hi all
I like a house to buy but it's been rated with an EPC E and has the potential for EPC C (smack in the middle).

The EPC is worrying enough, but I'd would prefer the house to have an EPC potential of B - it just feels better knowing I could make the house more energy efficient and I think it would influence resale in the future.

Does anyone know if i can make the EPC potential higher to a B by doing anything to the house, except knock it down and rebuild it?

I don't have much experience in this area.

Would you buy a house with EPC E? Or would you expect it to be reduced? The EA seems to think it's fine and advising me nothing to worry about it.

Thanks

Insulating the loft adds some points, as does adding solar panels or upgrading the boiler. You could also consider replacing cavity wall insulation or adding new windows.

In the EPC report, it says to follow these steps but it only takes it up to the C:

Step 1: Internal or external wall insulation
Step 2: Floor insulation (suspended floor)
Step 3: Solar water heating
Step 4: Solar photovoltaic panels, 2.5 kWp

It feels like this house can't go higher than C.

I just don't know if i can do something to make it a B

Big point items are things like a new boiler, replacement windows and doors. EWI or IWI is extremely expensive to do.

The EPC ratings are honestly a bit random, relying on an EPC surveyor just noting that things are in place. It’s not at all rigorous.

I suspect that only a minute proportion of our current housing stock can get above a C — only on an expensive (ie, not a big development) new build.

Difficult to accept if you’re the sort of person who’s got As in everything all your life!

I wouldn't worry much about an EPC, they tend to be mostly guesswork and/or inappropriate suggestions for the property in question.

We don't worry about the EPC after the inspector added points for things like light bulbs and blown double glazing that needed replacing! The amount you would spend to get it to a B wouldn't pay off in the reduced bills.

I would just insulate if it needs it (a lot of old houses need to breath so get a professional) and when you windows and boiler go then replace with energy efficient ones

Would not put me off buying a house. As @NewFriendlyLadybird says, most are worse than that - average score for an average house is D I believe.