Less than 18 months until April 2027. If your commercial property isn't EPC Band C compliant, you can't legally let it. Here's what the market is saying.
The Reality:
Modern buildings: £6,000-£15,000
Victorian properties: £30,000-£50,000+
Listed buildings: Often exceeding £50,000
Small landlords are running the numbers, and many are choosing to sell rather than invest. The question everyone's asking: upgrade or exit?
Commercial landlords are selling up before April 2027. Institutional investors are buying portfolios from individual owners who won't fund EPC upgrades.
Result: The UK commercial property market is consolidating. Fast.
Heritage properties in conservation areas can't use standard upgrade solutions. No external insulation. Restricted glazing options. Limited solar panel permissions.
The problem: Standard EPC improvements are prohibited, but the compliance requirement remains.
Property owners face staged investments—spend £15k-£30k now, then another £10k-£20k in three years. The double hit is forcing strategic rethinks.
Exemption pathways exist:
The catch: Exemptions don't improve energy efficiency. Low-EPC properties will still struggle with tenant demand and rental values.
Commercial tenants are demanding Band C+ properties. The market is splitting:
High-EPC (Band C+):
✅ Strong demand
✅ Rental premiums
✅ Fast lettings
Low-EPC (Band D-G):
❌ Declining interest
❌ Rental discounts
❌ Extended voids
EPC compliance isn't just regulatory—it's become a market differentiator.
Timeline Reality:
Now-Jan 2026: Decision phase
Jan-Oct 2026: Contractor procurement & planning
Oct 2026-Mar 2027: Physical works
Mar 2027: Final EPC assessments
Contractors are booking months ahead. Delays now = missing the deadline = no rental income.
For Commercial Property Owners:
Audit your portfolio EPC ratings - Know which properties need urgent action
Get professional cost assessments - Real figures, not estimates
Model upgrade vs. disposal - Run the numbers properly
Secure contractor quotes early - Avoid the 2026 bottleneck
Explore exemptions for heritage properties - Start applications now
Consider strategic disposal - Before non-compliant asset prices drop further
We help commercial property owners navigate the April 2027 deadline with clarity and confidence.
Our Services:
EPC compliance audits
Retrofit strategy planning
Financial feasibility analysis
Exemption application support
Contractor procurement & project management
Alternative use feasibility (conversions, aparthotels)
April 2027 isn't a distant concern. It's 18 months away.
Properties that miss the deadline cannot be legally let. The time to act is now.
📞 Need expert guidance?
Contact Kantarigan MC Group for a confidential portfolio assessment.
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#CommercialProperty #EPCCompliance #MEES2027 #PropertyDevelopment #UKProperty #CommercialRealEstate
Ruslan Kantarigan | Managing Director, Kantarigan MC Group | Commercial Property Development & Compliance Specialists
