EPC.Report
D
BH31 New Forest West
Dorset Rating D Score: 68 / 100

BH31 is around the national average for energy efficiency.

Energy efficiency in BH31 (Dorset) sits at an average score of 68 out of 100, placing it around the national average. To put this in context, the national average sits at 67. The most common rating band is D, with 12.6% of homes rated A or B and 80.9% in the C or D bands. Meanwhile, 0.6% of homes sit in the F or G bands — the least efficient categories. In practical terms, a rating of D means many homes here lose more heat than average — potentially adding £200-400 per year to energy bills compared to a C-rated home.

Most of the housing stock here consists of houses. Around 85% of properties are owner-occupied . Gas central heating is the main fuel source for 91% of homes, which is typical for urban areas across England.

There is genuine room for improvement here. If every recommended upgrade were carried out, the average score could climb from 68 to 82 — a 14-point jump that would lift the typical rating to B. If you live in BH31 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.

EPC Rating Distribution

A
33 (0.8%)
B
497 (11.8%)
C
1,481 (35.3%)
D
1,914 (45.6%)
E
245 (5.8%)
F
22 (0.5%)
G
3 (0.1%)

Energy Efficiency Score

68
BH31 avg
67
National avg
+1 points vs national average

Potential score if all improvements made: 82 (rating B)

Recommended Improvements

Government funding may be available for some of these improvements. Check grants →

More data — property types, tenure & fuel

Property Types

2,202
House
498
Flat
1,468
Bungalow
9
Maisonette
18
Park home

Tenure

3,202
Owner-occupied
316
Private rented
244
Social rented

Main Fuel Types

3,827
gas
337
electric
19
oil
12
other

Frequently asked questions

What is the average EPC rating in BH31?

Homes in BH31 have an average EPC rating of D, scoring 68 out of 100 for energy efficiency. That figure comes from 4,195 certificates issued across the district.

This is broadly in line with the national average of 67 — neither particularly efficient nor particularly wasteful. A D rating typically means higher-than-necessary heating bills, especially in older properties without adequate insulation.

What percentage of homes in BH31 are rated F or G?

0.6% of homes in BH31 fall into the F or G bands — the lowest energy efficiency ratings. Nationally, the figure is 2.9%.

This is actually better than the national picture, suggesting the housing stock in BH31 is in relatively good shape — though any home rated F or G would still benefit enormously from basic upgrades. Landlords should note that F and G rated properties cannot legally be rented out under current MEES rules.

See all EPC data for Dorset →