With the energy price cap increasing by 13% this week, new analysis from Rightmove shows tenants in the least energy-efficient homes could see their annual bills rise by as much as £591.
The portal’s monthly energy bills tracker highlights the widening gap between efficient and inefficient homes, with those living in the lowest EPC-rated properties facing significantly higher costs.
A typical home with an EPC rating of A could see annual bills rise by around £65, compared with an increase of £591 for a G-rated property.
The latest price cap increase comes at a time when much of the UK’s housing stock remains relatively energy inefficient.
More than half (52%) of homes currently for sale have an EPC rating of D or below, underlying the scale of the UK’s home energy efficiency challenge.
Colleen Babcock, Rightmove’s property expert, says: “Energy efficiency is playing an increasingly important role in how people choose their next home.
“While the latest increase will be felt by most households, our data shows the difference between the most and least efficient homes is becoming starker, with those in lower-rated properties facing much higher annual costs.
“We spotted in our data that at the start of the global uncertainty and conflict in Iran in March, we saw a 35% increase in demand for homes with the highest EPC rating compared with the same time last year.
“It’s a clear sign that when the cost of living becomes more uncertain, energy efficiency moves higher up the priority list for both buyers and renters looking to keep their running costs under control.”
Average annual energy bill by EPC rating:
| EPC rating | Average energy bill from 1st July 2026 (+13%) | Increase in cash terms from previous energy cap | Average annual energy bill (April – June 2026) |
| A | £568 | + £65 | £498 |
| B | £1,046 | + £120 | £927 |
| C | £1,780 | + £205 | £1,575 |
| D | £2,466 | + £284 | £2,169 |
| E | £3,435 | + £395 | £3,028 |
| F | £4,238 | + £488 | £3,719 |
| G | £5,136 | + £591 | £4,444 |
