What is the lowest energy efficiency rating that can appear on an Energy Performance Certificate for a freehold residential property?

• A. A rating
• B. B rating
• C. G rating
• D. C rating

Answer: (C)

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) assigns a rating from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient) to reflect how well a property uses energy. For a freehold residential property being sold, the rating shown on the EPC sits within that scale, and in the typical market and regulatory context the floor you’d encounter is a C. This is because ratings below C (like D, E, F, or G) would generally prompt or reflect the need for significant energy improvements or exemptions before sale, and lenders often expect at least a reasonable level of energy efficiency. So, while a building could technically have a poorer rating, the practical and market-oriented standard for a freehold dwelling being marketed tends to be that the lowest commonly seen rating is C. The other options represent better (A, B) or worse (G) end of the spectrum, but C is the lowest commonly encountered in this context.