The 7,719 EPC certificates on record for B5 paint a clear picture — the area averages 76 out of 100, placing it above the national average. The national average is 67, which means B5 performs better than most areas. The most common rating band is B, with 43.9% of homes rated A or B and 51.0% in the C or D bands. Meanwhile, 0.8% of homes sit in the F or G bands — the least efficient categories. In practical terms, a B rating indicates well-insulated homes with efficient heating — energy bills here tend to be well below average.

Flats make up the bulk of the housing in this district. Flats alone account for 81% of all certificated properties — a distinctly urban profile. Around 28% of properties are owner-occupied , while 41% are privately rented and 30% are social housing. That high proportion of rental homes matters — landlords in B5 must comply with the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES), which currently require at least an EPC E rating. Properties rated F or G cannot legally be let. A significant share of homes here rely on electric heating, which tends to be more expensive per unit of energy than gas.

There is genuine room for improvement here. If every recommended upgrade were carried out, the average score could climb from 76 to 81 — a 5-point jump that would lift the typical rating to B. If you live in B5 and want to reduce your energy bills, start with our guide to loft insulation — it is one of the most cost-effective upgrades you can make.