EPCs Explained: Useful Tool or Tick-Box Exercise?

EPCs Explained: Useful Tool or Tick-Box Exercise?

Author: Phil Spencer: UK Property Expert May 20, 2026 Duration: 12:15
Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are everywhere - but do they actually help homeowners make decisions? Alongside expert insight from David Sanders from Vibrant Energy Matters, Phil Spencer breaks down what EPC ratings are meant to do, why they often fall short, and why so many homeowners find them confusing or frustrating. They explore how EPCs fit into the retrofit conversation, what factors actually affect the rating and why better guidance is needed. Do you know your home’s EPC rating, and has it ever been useful? We want this series to reflect real homeowners so please do share your retrofit experiences, questions, and home upgrade stories in the comments. Your input will help shape future episodes and support others on the same journey! 💬 Brought to you in collaboration with Vibrant Energy Matters 👉Find out more: https://www.vibrantenergymatters.co.uk/  👉 VIDEO TIMESTAMPS ⏳ Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:33 What is an EPC and What Should It Do? 01:24 Why EPCs Come Under So Much Criticism 02:53 How EPCs Affect Landlords and Rental Properties 03:50 Understanding Your EPC Rating as a Homeowner 04:58 EPCs in Mortgage Applications and the Lending Industry 06:05 Why EPCs Have Outgrown Their Original Purpose 07:23 What Homeowners Should Look For Beyond EPCs 08:02 How to Use Your EPC Wisely Our next episode takes a look as smarter retrofit advice - inside the VESA Report. Enjoyed this video? Want to see more? Subscribe to the channel with the link below. That way, you won't miss any future uploads! 👉 SUBSCRIBE TO THE MOVE iQ YOUTUBE CHANNEL 🔗 https://www.youtube.com/c/MoveiQ 👉 GET PHIL SPENCER'S ADVICE DIRECT TO YOUR INBOX ✉ 🔗 https://www.moveiq.co.uk/newsletter-signup/ 👉 VISIT OUR MOVE iQ WEBSITE 💻 🔗 https://www.moveiq.co.uk/ ➤ CONNECT WITH MOVE iQ ON SOCIAL 📲 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moveiq/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoveiQ/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@philspencertv?lang=en #EPC #RetrofitUK #Homeowners #EnergyBills

For over a quarter of a century, Phil Spencer has navigated the complexities of the UK property market, and he brings that wealth of experience directly to you. The Move iQ Podcast is a deep, practical resource that demystifies the entire process of buying, selling, and managing a home. Phil’s conversations go beyond simple tips, offering nuanced guidance on everything from deciphering market trends and negotiating offers to understanding the finer points of renovations and property investment. This isn't just theoretical advice; it's grounded, actionable insight designed to empower your decisions. You'll hear detailed discussions on financial planning, legal intricacies, and the often-overlooked emotional aspects of moving house. Whether you're taking your first tentative steps onto the property ladder or looking to strategically grow a portfolio, this podcast provides the clarity and confidence needed to navigate an often daunting landscape. Tune in for a straightforward, expert-led dialogue that treats property not just as a transaction, but as a fundamental part of your life journey. Each episode with Phil Spencer, a trusted UK property expert, is crafted to help you move forward with greater knowledge and assurance.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Move iQ Podcast
Podcast Episodes
What Is a Shared Ownership Mortgage? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:58
Could shared ownership be an option for you? In this part of our First-Home Focus podcast series, Phil is joined by Emma Jaggar to explain what a shared ownership mortgage is and the important things to understand if you…
Can I Afford a Mortgage? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:25
Do you know what mortgage you can afford? In this First-Home Focus podcast series episode, Mortgage and Protection Expert, Umera Patel from Skipton Building Society speaks to Phil about how to find the most suitable mort…
How Interest Works on a Mortgage [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:34
Interest impacts many variables that make up your mortgage. As part of our First-Home Focus podcast series, Emma Jaggar, Mortgage Protection Specialist for Skipton Building Society chats to Phil and explains how and why…
First Time Home Buyer Mortgage Eligibility [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:16
What factors impact a first-time home buyers mortgage eligibility? In this episode of our First-Home Focus podcast series, Phil Spencer is joined by Mortgage and Protection Expert, Umera Patel from Skipton Building Socie…
Saving Schemes for First-Time Buyers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:55
Do you know all the saving schemes avalible to you as a first time buyer? As part of our First-Home Focus podcast series, Phil sat down with Emma Jaggar from Skipton Building Society to hear more about the different sche…
Interviewing the Property Expert Himself! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:05
Our new podcast co-host Louise Gookey interviews a property expert - Phil Spencer! Louise chats to Phil about his journey into property, and how his home buying agency led him into being on our screens for 25 years (and…
Will We Ever Speed Up the Home Buying Process in the UK? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:31
We're always keen to hear about new and evolving processes or technology to improve parts of the homebuying process. In this case, the length of time it takes to buy and sell property in the UK has long been a frustratio…
What Do People Really Think About The Housing Market? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:31
We're always keen to hear what people really think about the housing market, and really appreciate anyone that takes the time leave a comment. Everyone has an opinion and its often very varied. So in our latest podcast P…
Can the UK Housing Crisis Be Solved? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:52
There are not enough homes being built in the UK to meet demand each year, but can the UK housing crisis be solved? In this People in Property episode, Phil is joined by Russell Quirk, Property Commentator and Co-Founder…
Picking the Perfect Pad: Insider Tips on Local Housing Markets [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:15
We took the Move iQ Podcast to the Propertymark regional conference in Birmingham to get insider tips and insights on local housing markets and tips on picking the perfect pad for renters, sellers and buyers. Tune in for…