A new study has tracked changes in Manchester’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings, comparing the second quarter of 2025 with the same period in 2026. The analysis, conducted by Property Buyers Today, examined EPC lodgements to show how the energy efficiency of properties in the city has shifted over the year.
Manchester recorded 5,020 EPC lodgements in Q2 2026, up from 4,654 in Q2 2025, an increase of 7.9%. A-rated lodgements rose from 40–58, up 45.0%, while B-rated lodgements fell from 996–748, down 24.9%. C-rated lodgements increased from 2,503–3,030, up 21.1%, while D-rated lodgements were relatively stable, rising from 1,004–1,085, an increase of 8.1%. E-rated lodgements increased from 78–85.
Lower-rated lodgements became less common, with F-rated lodgements falling from 24–12, down 50.0%, and G-rated lodgements dropping from nine to two, down 77.8%.
Combined, A and B-rated lodgements fell from 1,036–806, a decrease of 22.2%. As a proportion of all lodgements, properties achieving an A or B rating fell from 22.26%–16.06%, as the decline in B ratings was accompanied by an increase in properties moving into the C band.
The figures in full
| Quarter | Lodgements | A | B | C | D | E | F | G |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q2 2025 | 4,654 | 40 | 996 | 2,503 | 1,004 | 78 | 24 | 9 |
| Q2 2026 | 5,020 | 58 | 748 | 3,030 | 1,085 | 85 | 12 | 2 |
EPCs rate homes from A, the most energy efficient, to G, the least efficient, giving buyers and tenants information about running costs and potential improvements.
Saif Derzi, founder of Property Buyers Today, commented on the findings: “It is encouraging to see the number of A-rated EPC lodgements increase in Manchester. This rating is rare and hard to achieve. But the data also shows a large movement from the B band into C, which means that the proportion of highly efficient lodgements has fallen.”
“For homeowners and buyers, this highlights the importance of looking beyond individual improvements and considering the wider energy efficiency of a property. With energy costs continuing to affect household budgets, an EPC rating can play an increasingly important role when assessing the long-term affordability and appeal of a home.”
The findings come amid continued attention on the energy performance of UK housing, with higher EPC ratings generally associated with lower energy bills and greater long-term value for residents. Property Buyers Today analysed official EPC data to produce the comparison.
The figures may be relevant to homeowners considering selling or upgrading their properties, as well as buyers assessing long-term costs, particularly amid continued pressure on household energy budgets.