Expert insights from Philip Lovegrove, Director at DHKK Chartered Surveyors
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) measures a property’s efficiency on a scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). Valid for ten years, the EPC is not only a marker of sustainability but increasingly a deciding factor for buyers. A strong rating can make a home more attractive on the open market, while a poor score may raise questions about future running costs.
To discover how sellers can maximise their home’s potential, we turned to Philip Lovegrove, Director at DHKK Chartered Surveyors. A Chartered Surveyor, RICS Registered Valuer, EPC Assessor and Certified Expert Witness, Philip has guided countless clients through the process.
Even the most modest updates can have a striking effect on your EPC score.
Replacing halogen bulbs with LEDs or compact fluorescents is an effortless first step. “It is inexpensive, instant, and gives interiors a softer, more flattering glow,” says Philip.
Insulation is another priority. The benchmark sits at 270 millimetres, yet many homes still fall short. “If you are under 90 millimetres, topping up makes a world of difference,” Philip advises. “It not only keeps a home warm but also reduces bills, and there is often funding support available.”
The addition of room thermostats, modern programmers, and thermostatic radiator valves allows each room to be fine-tuned. “The pleasure of walking into a home that is exactly the right temperature should not be underestimated,” Philip notes. “It is a comfort upgrade that pays for itself.”
For cavity-wall properties, filling the gap is both affordable and impactful. The effect is subtle yet powerful, as draughts vanish, warmth is retained, and efficiency rises.
For those ready to commit to more substantial works, the gains are considerable.
A new boiler remains one of the most effective investments. Beyond lowering bills, it reassures buyers. “A modern system shows a property is future-ready,” Philip points out.
Upgrading to double or triple glazing reduces both heat loss and external noise, making homes feel calmer and more cocooned. “In conservation areas, you may need specialist timber-framed glazing, which is more expensive but preserves character,” Philip explains.
Finally, renewables are no longer niche. Solar panels, ground-source heat pumps, and biomass boilers now sit firmly in the mainstream. “These systems can be many times more efficient than traditional ones,” Philip says. “They lower costs, benefit the environment, and send a strong message that the home is truly looking to the future.”
An EPC rating may once have been a technical formality, but today it is a statement of intent about sustainability, comfort, and long-term value. With a blend of simple adjustments and forward-thinking upgrades, homeowners can present their properties at their very best while enjoying the benefits day to day.
DHKK Ltd was established through the merger of the long-standing Edinburgh firms Dixon Heaney and Kean Kennedy, with roots dating back to the 1940s. Operating across central Scotland from offices in Edinburgh and Kinross, it is a general practice firm of Chartered Surveyors specialising in surveys and residential valuations. The team also prepares schedules of condition, property condition reports, and provides development consultancy. Sustainability and energy efficiency are central to its work. The firm carries out energy assessments for both commercial and residential properties, issuing Energy Performance Certificates and offering impartial advice on renewable technologies.
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