New data reveals significant variation in energy efficiency across London’s boroughs, highlighting the challenges landlords face in meeting upcoming regulatory requirements. With a legal deadline set for October 2030 to achieve a minimum EPC rating of C, the findings underscore the scale of improvements needed in the capital’s housing stock.

London boroughs’ EPC performance

Research conducted by Cut Plastic Sheeting, analysing nearly 2.5 million domestic Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) lodged between January 2016 and December 2025, shows that Havering has the lowest proportion of energy efficient homes in London. Only 43.15% of properties in Havering have an EPC rating of C or above.

In contrast, Tower Hamlets leads the capital with 79.75% of homes meeting the EPC C benchmark, equating to 84,365 out of 105,792 homes assessed. This means nearly eight in ten homes in Tower Hamlets are considered energy efficient by this standard.

The City of London follows with 67.95% of homes rated EPC C or above, while Southwark records 66.83%, based on 54,675 compliant properties from 81,807 certificates. Other boroughs exceeding the London average of 56% include Hackney (66.78%), Greenwich (63.06%), Newham (62.87%), Islington (62.11%), and Westminster (61.79%). Wandsworth (61.07%) and Hammersmith and Fulham (59.16%) are also close behind.

Areas requiring improvement

Boroughs with the lowest shares of EPC C or above homes include Enfield (43.69%), Richmond upon Thames (44.39%), Bromley (44.46%), and Redbridge (44.77%), all clustered near Havering’s low figure. Across London, more than one million homes—1,065,020 in total—fall below the EPC C rating, representing nearly half of all properties assessed.

Understanding the challenge

Daniel Southern, managing director of Cut Plastic Sheeting, emphasised the scale of the task ahead. “The scale of London’s energy efficiency challenge is clear, and with landlords now required to bring properties up to a C rating by October 2030, there is still a significant amount of work to do across the capital.”

He highlighted that improvements can range from low-cost measures such as draught proofing, low energy lighting, and hot water cylinder insulation, to more substantial investments like loft insulation, upgraded heating controls, and solar panels. Southern also noted the particular issue of heat loss through windows in older properties, stating, “Windows are one of the biggest sources of heat loss in older properties, and for many homeowners and landlords, full window replacement is not always practical or affordable.”

What this means for landlords

Landlords in London face a clear legal obligation under the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) to ensure rented properties achieve at least an EPC C rating by October 2030. Given that nearly half of London’s homes currently fall below this threshold, significant investment and planning will be required to meet compliance.

Targeted improvements, both minor and major, will be necessary to raise energy performance. Landlords should prioritise cost-effective measures where possible but also prepare for larger upgrades, especially in older properties where heat loss through windows and inadequate insulation remain major issues. Early action will be essential to avoid potential enforcement and to contribute to broader environmental goals.

Source: Based on reporting from Property118

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