Energy Performance of Buildings Certificates Statistical Release: July to September 2023 England and Wales
Published 26 October 2023
Applies to England and Wales
© Crown copyright 2023
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/energy-performance-of-building-certificates-in-england-and-wales-july-to-september-2023/energy-performance-of-buildings-certificates-statistical-release-july-to-september-2023-england-and-wales
Date of next publication: It is expected that Energy Performance of Buildings Certificates Statistics: October to December 2023 England and Wales will be published on 25 January 2024.
Further release dates can be found using the Statistics Release Calendar.
1. Key statistics
1.1 England and Wales
In the Quarter July to September 2023, 444,000 Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) were lodged on the Energy Performance of Buildings Register for both domestic and non-domestic properties in England and Wales, a 7% decrease compared to the same Quarter 2022.
1.2 England
In July to September 2023, 391,000 domestic EPCs were lodged on the Register, an 8% decrease on the same Quarter in 2022.
The number of EPCs for new dwellings (59,000) had a 6% decrease while the number of existing domestic EPCs (333,000) had a 9% decrease compared to the same Quarter last year.
In the 12 months to September 2023, 237,000 EPCs were lodged for new build dwellings, a 4% decrease on the previous year.
From July to September 2023, 84% of new properties were given an A or B rating, an increase from 85% in the same Quarter in 2022.
In Quarter 3 2023, the region with the largest increase in EPCs lodged for new dwellings compared to the same Quarter in 2022 was in the Yorkshire and The Humber (15%), while the largest decrease was in London (-18%).
1.3 Wales
In July to September 2023, 20,000 EPCs were lodged on the Register covering domestic dwellings. This is a 3% decrease compared to the same Quarter in 2022.
Of the 20,000 domestic properties lodged, 18,000 were for existing properties, a 2% decrease, while 2,000 were for new properties (including new builds, conversions and change of use), a 8% decrease.
From July to September 2023, 87% of new domestic properties received an energy efficiency rating of A (the highest) or B, while only 13% received a rating of C or D.
In Quarter 3 2023, the largest increases in EPCs lodged for new dwellings compared to the same quarter in 2022, was in Merthyr Tydfil (467%), while the largest decrease was in Caerphilly (-63%).
2. Introduction
This statistical release presents Official Statistics in development (formerly known as Experimental Official Statistics) based on Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) issued for domestic and non-domestic buildings and Display Energy Certificates (DECs) issued for buildings occupied by public authorities. The certificates are lodged on the Energy Performance of Buildings Register (The Register) for England and Wales. Please see Related Statistics below for information on statistics in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Through most of the release, the figures have been split into England only and Wales only. If England and Wales combined figures are required, they are available in the ‘live’ tables published alongside this release. Throughout the report, numbers have been rounded to the nearest thousand. Percentage changes have been calculated using unrounded figures. Due to rounding, individual figures may not add up to the total.
2.1 Energy Performance Certificates
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) indicates the energy efficiency of a building. The assessments are banded from A to G, where A (or A+ for non-domestic properties) is the most efficient in terms of likely fuel costs and carbon dioxide emissions. An EPC is required when a building is constructed, sold, or let and if a valid certificate is not already in place. The purpose of an EPC is to show prospective tenants or buyers the energy efficiency of the property. The requirement for EPCs was introduced in phases and fully implemented for all properties by autumn 2008. EPCs are valid for 10 years.
2.2 Official Statistics in development
Official Statistics in development (formerly known as Experimental Official Statistics) are defined as “official statistics that are undergoing a development”. They are published in order to involve users and stakeholders in their development and as a means to build in quality at an early stage.
Our statistical practice is regulated by the Office for Statistics Regulation (OSR). OSR sets the standards of trustworthiness, quality and value in the Code of Practice for Statistics that all producers of official statistics should adhere to. You are welcome to contact us directly with any comments about how we meet these standards. Alternatively, you can contact OSR by emailing [email protected] or via the OSR website
These statistics are based on information from EPCs lodged on the Register. The Register and the statistical production process have undergone significant automation developments to improve the quality and efficiency of these statistics. Please see the technical notes document for more information.
2.3 Display Energy Certificates
A Display Energy Certificate (DEC) is only required for buildings occupied by public authorities over 250 square meters where that building is frequently visited by the public.
DECs show the actual energy consumption of a building and are accompanied by reports which provide recommendations on potential energy saving measures. DECs last for one year for buildings with a total useful floor area more than 1,000 square metres, or 10 years when the total useful floor area is over 250 square metres and up to 1,000 square metres.
DECs that can be identified as ‘voluntary’ - some private sector organisations may choose to have a DEC even though they are not mandated by the regulations - may affect statistical and data outputs. Therefore, ‘voluntary DECs are excluded from the published dataset.
3. Coverage
The Register does not hold records for all dwellings in England and Wales, as not every dwelling has an EPC (these are only required when a dwelling is constructed, sold or let).
Some dwellings may have changed tenure since the date of their latest EPC. For instance, dwellings that had an EPC for reasons other than being let may have since entered the private or social rented sector.
ONS have led on an exploratory look at the EPC data comparing with the census to determine the percentage of dwellings covered by an Energy Performance Certificate in England and Wales, using Census 2021 data. Based on their analysis EPCs cover around 60% of the housing stock in England 55% in Wales. There is a similar proportion across all regions in England.
4. How the data should be used
4.1 How the data should be used
- To evaluate trends in the energy performance of buildings in England and Wales that have had an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
- To assess changes in the number of EPCs between the same Quarters across years e.g. Q3 2023 and Q3 2022
- As an early indication of new housing supply
4.2 How the data should not be used
- To count the total building stock in England and Wales. The Register does not hold data for every building, only those with an EPC
- To compare across Quarters within a year. The data have a seasonal pattern and should only be compared between the same Quarters across years e.g. Q3 2023 and Q3 2022
- The data are aggregated and will not comment on individual buildings
- To track energy prices. The methodology used to assess energy efficiency does not take into account changes in energy prices
5. England and Wales
In the Quarter July to September 2023, 444,000 EPCs were lodged on the Register for both domestic and non-domestic properties in England and Wales, a 7% decrease from Quarter 3 in 2022 (Live Table A1).
In July to September 2023, the total number of EPCs lodged for new dwellings in England and Wales had a 6% decrease to 61,000, compared to the equivalent Quarter in 2022 (Live Table NB1). There was a 9% decrease to 351,000 for existing dwellings EPCs lodged for that Quarter (Live Table EB1).
6. England quarterly figures
Quarterly figures are not seasonally adjusted and should be compared to the same Quarter as the previous year to see trends.
6.1 New and existing dwellings
From July to September 2023, 391,000 EPCs were lodged on the Register covering all domestic dwellings (sales, lets and new dwellings) in England. This represents a 8% decrease on the same Quarter 2022, when there were 427,000 domestic lodgements (Live Table D1).
The majority of domestic EPCs were for the sale or let of existing dwellings. In July to September 2023, 333,000 EPCs for existing dwellings were lodged on the Register in England, a 9% decrease, while 59,000 EPCs were lodged for new dwellings (including new builds, conversions and change of use), a 6% decrease on the same Quarter in 2022 (Live Table EB1 and NB1).
Table 1: Number of EPCs for new and existing dwellings, England, July to September 2023
| New dwellings: Number | New dwellings: Change since equivalent quarter | Existing dwellings: Number | Existing dwellings: Change since equivalent quarter | All domestic dwellings: Number |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 59,000 | 6% decrease | 333,000 | 9% decrease | 391,000 |
Source: Live Tables, D1, EB1 and NB1
Note: New dwellings and existing dwellings may not add up to all domestic dwellings due to rounding
Energy Performance Certificates for domestic properties show an Energy Efficiency Rating (EER) based on estimated fuel costs and an Environmental Impact Rating (EIR) based on CO2 emissions. Both measures are estimated from the characteristics of the property. The numerical ratings are then banded A to G, with A being the most energy efficient and G the least. In general, the higher the EER or EIR rating, the lower the fuel bills and CO2 emissions are likely to be.
For both the EER and the EIR, the largest proportion of lodgements for existing domestic properties in England were in bands C and D. New properties in England tended to be more energy efficient, with the majority in band B (Figures 1 and 2).
In England, from July to September 2023, most (80%) new properties were given a B EER rating. Existing dwellings were more likely to be given a C or D EER (85%), compared to 15% of new dwellings. (Live Tables EB1 and NB1).
Figure 1: Energy efficiency ratings (EER): existing and new domestic properties, England, July to September 2023
Note: Percentage changes have been calculated using unrounded figures, therefore proportions may not add to 100%.
Figure 2: Environmental impact ratings (EIR): existing and new domestic properties, England, July to September 2023
Note: Percentage changes have been calculated using unrounded figures, therefore proportions may not add to 100%.
6.2 Non-domestic properties
A non-domestic property is a building that is not a dwelling, such as a retail unit or office.
In July to September 2023, 30,000 EPCs were lodged for non-domestic properties, a 6% increase compared with the corresponding Quarter in 2022.
The distribution by EPC band is shown in Figure 3. Non-domestic buildings have an additional A+ band but numbers are too small to report so are combined with those receiving an A rating. An A+, A or B rating was given to 38% of properties (Live Table A).
Figure 3: Energy performance asset ratings for non-domestic properties, England, July to September 2023
Note: Percentage changes have been calculated using unrounded figures, therefore proportions may not add to 100%.
6.3 Display Energy Certificates (DECs)
Properties over 250 square meters occupied by a public authority and frequently visited by the public must display a Display Energy Certificate (DEC). DECs show the actual energy consumption of a building and are accompanied by reports which provide recommendations on potential energy saving measures.
From July to September 2023, 7,000 DECs were lodged in England, a 1% decrease compared with the corresponding Quarter in 2022 (Live Table DEC1).
The distribution of DECs by Energy Performance Operational Ratings is shown in Figure 4. The highest proportions of DECs were in bands C (35%) and D (30%).
Figure 4: Energy Performance Operational Ratings: Display Energy Certificates, England, July to September 2023
Note: Percentage changes have been calculated using unrounded figures, therefore proportions may not add to 100%.
6.4 Long-term trends by transaction type
Figure 5 shows the number of domestic EPCs by transaction type, i.e. the reason for the EPC being produced, as well as the total number. The transaction types have been grouped. For example, lodgements for social and private rentals are grouped together.
The chart shows fluctuations in different transaction types based on the total number of EPCs lodged. For example, there is a seasonal pattern with fewer home sales at Christmas, which can be seen in the number of EPC lodgements. This seasonality affects the total for EPCs, particularly up to the end of 2012. At the end of 2012 the recast of EU Directive also led to changes to the Energy Performance of Buildings regulations (the regulations). It also shows how the total number of EPCs were influenced by lodgements made for energy efficiency programmes and similar schemes, as well as lodgements for other reasons, particularly in 2013, 2014 and 2015.
Figure 5: Number of domestic EPCs lodged from October 2008 to end of September 2023, by transaction type, England
Note: The categories collected changed in 2012, leading to a break in the chart indicated by the line.
7. England annual figures
7.1 New and existing dwellings
These figures are not seasonally adjusted and give annual estimates for the number of energy performance certificates over a rolling 12-month period. These can be used to make year on year comparisons.
In the 12 months to September 2023, in England, 1,617,000 domestic EPCs were lodged, a 3% decrease on the previous 12 months (Live Table D1).
In the year to September 2023, 1,379,000 EPCs for existing dwellings were lodged on the register in England, a 3% decrease on the equivalent 12 months preceding September 2022. EPCs for new dwellings (including new builds, conversions and change of use) had a 4% decrease to 237,000 (Live Tables EB1 and NB1).
7.2 Non-domestic properties
In the year ending September 2023, 138,000 non-domestic EPCs were lodged, a 39% increase on the number lodged during the previous year (Live Table A).
7.3 Display Energy Certificates (DECs)
In the year ending September 2023, 32,000 DECs were lodged in England, representing a 2% increase compared with the previous year (Live Table DEC1).
8. England sub-national figures
This section presents a Quarterly snapshot of domestic EPCs at sub-national level in England. For data at a local authority level with maps, see the EPC interactive dashboard.
8.1 Regional figures
There is much variability across regions in the energy efficiency of dwellings, this is largely related to the type and age of the dwelling stock.
In the Quarter ending September 2023, the largest increase in EPCs lodged for new dwellings compared to the same Quarter in 2022, was in the Yorkshire and The Humber (15%), while the largest decrease was in London (-18%), (Live Table NB1). For existing dwellings, the largest increase was 1% in the North East (Live Table EB1). The largest decrease was in the South East (-18%).
Table 2: Quarterly percentage change of EPCs for new and existing dwellings, by region, England, July to September 2023
| Region | New dwellings: Number | New dwellings: Change since equivalent quarter | Existing dwellings: Number | Existing dwellings: Change since equivalent quarter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| East of England | 7,296 | 0% | 36,997 | -10% |
| East Midlands | 5,557 | -4% | 26,380 | -14% |
| London | 8,137 | -18% | 58,116 | -6% |
| North East | 2,268 | -2% | 18,002 | 1% |
| North West | 8,210 | 5% | 43,386 | -3% |
| South East | 9,952 | -15% | 52,208 | -18% |
| South West | 5,816 | -12% | 33,860 | -12% |
| West Midlands | 5,335 | -2% | 31,769 | -2% |
| Yorkshire and The Humber | 6,212 | 15% | 31,897 | -6% |
Source: Live Tables, EB1 and NB1
9. Wales quarterly figures
Quarterly figures are not seasonally adjusted and should be compared to the same Quarter in the previous year to see trends.
9.1 New and existing dwellings
From July to September 2023, 20,000 EPCs were lodged on the Register covering domestic properties (sales, lets and new dwellings) in Wales. This represents a 3% decrease on the same Quarter 2022, when there were 21,000 domestic lodgements (Live Table D1).
The majority of domestic EPCs were for the sale or let of existing properties. From July to September 2023, 18,000 EPCs for existing dwellings were lodged on the Register in Wales, a 2% decrease, while 2,000 EPCs were lodged for new dwellings (including new builds, conversions and change of use), an 8% decrease compared to the same Quarter in 2022 (Live Table EB1 and NB1).
Table 3: Number of EPCs for new and existing dwellings, Wales, July to September 2023
| New dwellings: Number | New dwellings: Change since equivalent quarter | Existing dwellings: Number | Existing dwellings: Change since equivalent quarter | All domestic dwellings: Number |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2,000 | 8% decrease | 18,000 | 2% decrease | 20,000 |
Source: Live Tables, D1, EB1 and NB1
Note: New dwellings and existing dwellings may not add up to all domestic dwellings due to rounding
Energy Performance Certificates for domestic properties show an Energy Efficiency Rating (EER) based on estimated fuel costs and an Environmental Impact Rating (EIR) based on CO2 emissions. Both measures are estimated from the characteristics of the property. The numerical ratings are then banded A to G, with A being the most energy efficient and G the least. In general, the higher the EER or EIR rating, the lower the fuel bills and CO2 emissions are likely to be.
For both the EER and the EIR, the largest proportion of lodgements for existing domestic properties in Wales were in bands C and D. New properties in Wales are more energy efficient than existing, with the majority in band B (Figures 7 and 8).
In Wales, from July to September 2023, the majority of new properties were given a B EER (66%). Existing dwellings were more likely to receive a C (44%) or D (36%) rating. (Live Tables EB1 and NB1).
Figure 6: Energy efficiency ratings (EER): existing and new domestic properties, Wales, July to September 2023
Note: Percentage changes have been calculated using unrounded figures, therefore proportions may not add to 100%.
Figure 7: Environmental impact ratings (EIR): existing and new domestic properties, Wales, July to September 2023
Note: Percentage changes have been calculated using unrounded figures, therefore proportions may not add to 100%.
9.2 Non-domestic properties
In July to September 2023, 2,000 EPCs were lodged for non-domestic properties, a 46% increase compared with the corresponding Quarter in 2022 (Live Table A).
The distribution by EPC band is shown in Figure 9. Non-domestic buildings have an additional A+ band but numbers are too small to report. From July to September 2023, an A+, A or B rating was given to 33% of properties. (Live Table A).
Figure 8: Energy performance asset ratings – non- domestic properties, Wales, July to September 2023
Note: Percentage changes have been calculated using unrounded figures, therefore proportions may not add to 100%.
9.3 Display Energy Certificates (DECs)
Properties over 250 square meters occupied by a public authority and frequently visited by the public must display a Display Energy Certificate (DEC). DECs show the actual energy consumption of a building and are accompanied by reports which provide recommendations on potential energy saving measures.
From July to September 2023, 400 DECs were lodged, a 8% increase compared to the number of EPCs lodged in the corresponding Quarter in 2022.
The distribution of DECs by Energy Performance Operational Ratings is shown in Figure 9. The highest proportions were in bands C (41%) and D (22%).
Figure 9: Energy Performance Operational Ratings: Display Energy Certificates, Wales, July to September 2023
Note: Percentage changes have been calculated using unrounded figures, therefore proportions may not add to 100%.
9.4 Long-term trends by transaction type
Figure 10 shows the number of domestic EPCs by transaction type, i.e., the reason for the EPC being produced, as well as the total number. The transaction types have been grouped. For example, lodgements for social and private rentals are grouped together.
The chart shows fluctuations in different transaction types based on the total number of EPCs lodged. For example, there is a seasonal pattern with fewer home sales at Christmas, which can be seen in the number of EPC lodgements. This seasonality affects the total for EPCs, particularly up to the end of 2012. At the end of 2012 the recast of EU Directive also led to changes to the regulations. It also shows how the total number of EPCs were influenced by lodgements made for energy efficiency programmes and similar schemes, as well as lodgements for other reasons, particularly in 2013, 2014 and 2015.
Figure 10: Number of domestic EPCs lodged from October 2008 to end of September 2023, by transaction type, Wales
Note: The categories collected changed in 2012, leading to a break in the chart indicated by the line.
10. Wales annual figures
10.1 New and existing properties
In the 12 months to September 2023, in Wales, 80,000 domestic EPCs were lodged a 1% decrease on the previous 12 months (Live Table D1).
Of which, 72,000 EPCs were lodged on the register for existing dwellings, a 1% decrease, while 8,000 EPCs were lodged for new dwellings, (including new builds, conversions and change of use) a 7% decrease on the previous year (Live Tables EB1 and NB1).
10.2 Non-domestic properties
In the year ending September 2023, 6,000 non-domestic EPCs were lodged, a 42% increase on the number lodged during the previous year (Live Table A).
10.3 Display Energy Certificates (DECs)
Properties over 250 square meters occupied by a public authority and frequently visited by the public must display a Display Energy Certificate (DEC). DECs show the actual energy consumption of a building and are accompanied by reports which provide recommendations on potential energy saving measures.
In year ending September 2023, 2,000 DECs were lodged in Wales, representing a 2% decrease compared with the previous year (Live Table DEC1).
11. Wales sub-national figures
This section presents a Quarterly snapshot of domestic EPCs at sub-national level in Wales.
11.1 Local authority figures
There is much variability across local authorities in Wales.
Table 4: Quarterly percentage change of EPCs for new and existing dwellings, by local authority in Wales, July to September 2023
| Local Authority | New dwellings: Number | New dwellings: Change since equivalent quarter | Existing dwellings: Number | Existing dwellings: Change since equivalent quarter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blaenau Gwent | 38 | 138% | 334 | -8% |
| Bridgend | 33 | -55% | 914 | 4% |
| Caerphilly | 47 | -63% | 1,031 | 12% |
| Cardiff | 672 | -4% | 2,212 | 6% |
| Carmarthenshire | 57 | -45% | 1,032 | -12% |
| Ceredigion | 27 | -29% | 480 | -6% |
| Conwy | 23 | -62% | 781 | -3% |
| Denbighshire | 68 | -39% | 588 | 7% |
| Flintshire | 58 | -23% | 1,183 | 14% |
| Gwynedd | 79 | 80% | 786 | -15% |
| Isle of Anglesey | 96 | -4% | 397 | -7% |
| Merthyr Tydfil | 17 | 467% | 255 | -19% |
| Monmouthshire | 46 | -53% | 530 | 1% |
| Neath Port Talbot | 40 | -11% | 622 | -17% |
| Newport | 187 | 89% | 717 | -23% |
| Pembrokeshire | 142 | 69% | 728 | -3% |
| Powys | 76 | -42% | 769 | 5% |
| Rhondda Cynon Taf | 54 | -51% | 1,423 | 5% |
| Swansea | 143 | 72% | 1,299 | -2% |
| Torfaen | 52 | 53% | 505 | 10% |
| Vale of Glamorgan | 138 | -9% | 693 | -19% |
| Wrexham | 89 | 3% | 741 | 5% |
Source: Live Tables, EB1 and NB1
12. Changes to this release
This release is now published in HTML format to make it more accessible. Quarterly and annual figures have been presented separately, and Wales figures at local authority level are now included.
13. Future developments
The Register and the statistical production process have undergone significant automation developments to improve the quality and efficiency of these statistics. Please see the technical notes document for more information.
14. Accompanying tables
Note to users: Based on feedback and to meet legal accessibility regulations, we have made changes to the live tables to make them more accessible to our users. We would be keen to hear your thoughts or comments on these: [email protected].
See the Live Tables for the underlying data.
Previous DLUHC statistical releases.
14.1 EPCs – All Properties (non-domestic and domestic)
Table A1: Number of Energy Performance Certificates lodged on the Register and Total Floor Area, by Type of Property – in each Year/Quarter.
14.2 EPCs – All Domestic Properties
Table D1: Number of Domestic Energy Performance Certificates lodged on the Register, by Energy Efficiency Rating – in each Year/Quarter.
Table D2: Number of Domestic Energy Performance Certificates lodged on the Register, by Environmental Impact Rating – in each Year/Quarter.
Table D3: Floor Area, Size, Energy Use, Carbon Dioxide Emissions and Fuel Costs of Dwellings assessed and lodged on the Register - in each Year/Quarter.
Table D4a: Number of Domestic Energy Performance Certificates lodged on the Register by, Type of Transaction – in each Year/Quarter – up to and including 30 March 2012.
Table D4b: Number of Domestic Energy Performance Certificates lodged on the Register, by Type of Transaction – in each Year/Quarter – from 30 March 2012 to latest Quarter.
14.3 EPCs – All Existing Domestic Properties
Table EB1: Number of Existing Domestic Properties Energy Performance Certificates lodged on the Register, by Energy Efficiency Rating – in each Year/Quarter.
Table EB2: Number of Existing Domestic Properties Energy Performance Certificate lodged on the Register, by Environmental Impact Rating – in each Year/Quarter.
Table EB3: Floor Area, Size, Energy Use, Carbon Dioxide Emissions and Fuel Costs of Existing Dwellings assessed - in each Year/Quarter.
Table EB4: Number of Existing Domestic Properties Energy Performance Certificates lodged on the Register and Total Floor Area, by Type of Property – in each Year/Quarter.
Table EB7: Number of Existing Domestic Properties Energy Performance Certificates lodged on the Register, by Type of Property and Average Energy Use, Carbon Dioxide Emissions and Fuel Costs per dwelling – in each Year/Quarter.
14.4 EPCs – All New Domestic Properties
Table NB1: Number of New Domestic Properties Energy Performance Certificates lodged on the Register, by Energy Efficiency Rating – in each Year/Quarter.
Table NB2: Number of New Domestic Properties Energy Performance Certificate lodged on the Register, by Environmental Impact Rating – in each Year/Quarter.
Table NB3: Floor Area, Size, Energy Use, Carbon Dioxide Emissions and Fuel Costs of New Dwellings assessed - in each Year/Quarter.
Table NB4: Number of New Domestic Properties Energy Performance Certificates lodged on the Register and Total Floor Area, by Type of Property – in each Year/Quarter.
Table NB7: Number of New Domestic Properties Energy Performance Certificates lodged on the Register, by Type of Property, and Average Energy Use, Carbon Dioxide Emissions and Fuel Costs per dwelling – in each Year/Quarter.
14.5 EPCs – Non-Domestic Properties
Table A: Number of Non-Domestic Energy Performance Certificates lodged on the Register, by Energy Performance Asset Rating - in each Year/Quarter.
14.6 DECs – Display Energy Certificates
Table DEC1: Number of Display Energy Certificates lodged on the Register, by Local Authority and Energy Performance Operational Rating - in each Year/Quarter.
15. Open data
EPC data at address level in a fully open data format are available at Open Data Communities. EPC certificates lodged on the Register and published in the open data does not reflect the recent increase in energy prices. Open data is updated monthly.
16. Related statistics
DLUHC is part of a cross-government working group, including devolved administrations and the Office of National Statistics, working to improve the trustworthiness quality and value of housing and planning statistics across the UK. This working group has published an action plan to make the planned improvements on house building statistics clear and transparent to users.
Details of this work and how you can provide feedback are available via the Government Statistical Service website.
House building and related statistics are detailed in the table below. Further information can be found in the separate statistical release for each source which can be found at each link.
| Publication | What the statistics show | Frequency | Where do they come from | What are these figures most appropriate for | Other useful information |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Energy Performance of Buildings Data: England and Wales open data communities | Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) and Display Energy Certificates (DECs) lodged on the Register for England and Wales at postcode level | Monthly | The EPC register for England and Wales | Lower geographical level EPC data and data matching e.g. postcodes and UPRNs | The EPC definition of ‘new domestic buildings’ includes new build and conversions. It is broader than ‘Housing supply: indicators of new supply’ and is closer to ‘Housing supply: net additional dwellings.’ This is an ‘early indicator’ of housing supply. |
| Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) for homes in Wales: interactive dashboard | Insights into energy efficiency for homes in Wales | Annual | The EPC register for England and Wales | For additional energy efficiency insights based on the EPC data from the open data for dwellings in Wales | |
| Scotland EPC data | Management information from the Scottish Energy Performance Certificate Register | Quarterly | The Scottish Energy Performance Certificate Register (SEPCR) | Provides environmental information to enable research into energy efficiency issues. But should not be relied upon to verify if a valid EPC exists for a building, nor as the basis for the provision of energy improvement advice. | |
| Housing supply: indicators of new supply | Quarterly estimates of new build starts and completions in England | Quarterly | Multiple data sources- Building control; EPC statistics; Council Tax Stock of properties; Net additional Dwellings; Affordable Housing Supply and Glenigan residential until planning permissions | Leading indicator of Housing supply. | The number of new dwelling EPCs lodged are higher than quarterly new build completions as they comprise of new build dwellings plus dwelling conversions (for example a house into flats) and change of use of an existing building (for example a shop into a house or a barn conversion). |
| Housing supply: net additional dwellings | Total housing supply that comprises new build, conversions, change of use, other gains/losses and demolitions in England. | Annual | Annual statistical return from local authorities and Greater London Authority. The new build figures from the annual return provide a more complete count than the building control based quarterly statistics. Local authorities have longer to complete the annual return and to reconcile various sources including building control, council tax records and site visits The new build component of the net additions statistics is generally larger than the corresponding annual total from the quarterly new build series. | Provides an accurate assessment of annual change in housing stock. This is the ‘primary and most comprehensive measure of housing supply’. | |
| ONS Energy Efficiency of Housing in England and Wales: 2021 | Insight on the energy efficiency, environmental impact, carbon dioxide emissions, estimated energy cost and central heating main fuel type for new and existing homes by property type, tenure and property age. | Annual | The EPC register for England and Wales | For additional energy efficiency insights based on the EPC data from the open data | |
| Housing Surveys: | |||||
| English Housing Survey (EHS) | Survey information about people’s housing circumstances and the condition and energy efficiency of housing in England | Annual | Sample survey, commissioned by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) | Energy efficiency linked to housing stock and household characteristics | |
| Welsh Housing Conditions Survey (WHCS) | Collects information about the condition and energy efficiency of all types of housing in Wales | Periodic | Survey run by the Welsh Government | Energy efficiency linked to housing stock and household characteristics | |
| Scottish Household Survey (SHS) | Provides information on the composition, characteristics, attitudes and behaviour of private households and individuals as well as evidence on the physical condition of Scotland’s homes. | Periodic | Survey managed by Scottish Government | Energy efficiency linked to housing stock and household characteristics | |
| Northern Ireland House Condition Survey (NIHCS) | Provides an overview of Northern Ireland’s dwelling stock and its occupants | Periodic | Survey run by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive | Energy efficiency linked to housing stock and household characteristics |
17. Technical notes
Please see the accompanying technical notes document published alongside this release for further details.
Information on Official Statistics is available via the UK Statistics Authority website
Information about statistics at DLUHC is available via the DLUHC website
18. Enquiries
Media enquiries: 0303 444 1209 / email: [email protected]
Public enquiries and responsible statistician: Claire Smith
Email: [email protected]