7 EPC Mistakes Cambridge Homeowners Make (And How to Fix Them Before You List)

If you are selling or renting out a property in Cambridge, your EPC is more than just paperwork. Buyers, tenants, lenders and even surveyors will all look at that A–G rating and draw conclusions about how expensive your home will be to run.

The good news? Many of the EPC issues we see in Cambridge are totally avoidable with a bit of preparation and a properly briefed Domestic Energy Assessor.

1. Booking the EPC at the last minute

Solicitors will ask for your EPC almost as soon as a sale is agreed. If you leave it until the last minute, you risk delaying your listing or your exchange date.

• Book your EPC as soon as you decide to sell or let.
• In busy Cambridge postcodes, the best appointment slots go first.

2. Not telling the assessor about recent upgrades

We regularly see Cambridge homes where the owner has spent thousands on new boilers, insulation or double glazing, but the EPC still shows an old rating because the assessor could not see evidence on the day.

• Gather paperwork: boiler invoices, insulation certificates, FENSA certificates for windows.
• Have them ready on the kitchen table for the assessor.

3. Ignoring loft insulation

Loft insulation is one of the simplest and cheapest ways to boost an EPC score, yet many Victorian and 1930s Cambridge homes still have thin or patchy insulation.

• Aim for at least 270mm of insulation where possible.
• Make sure the loft is safely accessible for the assessor.

4. Assuming period homes cannot score well

It is true that many Cambridge terraces and period properties are harder to insulate, but that does not mean you are stuck with a low rating. Secondary glazing, modern heating controls and low energy lighting can all move the needle.

5. Blocking access to key areas

If the assessor cannot access the loft, boiler, hot water cylinder or key rooms, they have to assume the worst for the EPC calculation.

• Make sure doors are unlocked and ladders are safe.
• Clear routes to the boiler, loft hatch and meters.

6. Not optimising lighting and heating controls

Simple steps like low energy bulbs throughout and properly documented programmers, thermostats and TRVs can all help your Cambridge EPC rating.

7. Choosing on price alone

The cheapest quote is not always the best value. An experienced Cambridge-based assessor will understand local property types, explain what evidence they need and help you avoid unnecessary re-visits.

What to do next

If you are serious about selling or letting in Cambridge, the easiest win is to book your EPC now, gather your paperwork and let an accredited assessor do the rest.

Click below to book your EPC in under 60 seconds and secure a convenient appointment time before you hit the market.