EPC.Report
C
CO4 Harwich and North Essex
Colchester Rating C Score: 71 / 100

CO4 is around the national average for energy efficiency.

Based on 17,190 Energy Performance Certificates, CO4 in Colchester has an average EPC score of 71 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 C, with 22.7% of homes rated A or B and 70.1% in the C or D bands. Meanwhile, 1.2% of homes sit in the F or G bands — the least efficient categories. In practical terms, a C rating suggests reasonably efficient homes, though there is still room for improvement on heating and insulation.

Most of the housing stock here consists of houses. Flats make up a notable 22% of homes here. Around 55% of properties are owner-occupied , while 23% are privately rented and 22% are social housing. Gas central heating is the main fuel source for 83% 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 71 to 83 — a 12-point jump that would lift the typical rating to B. If you live in CO4 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
107 (0.6%)
B
3,787 (22.0%)
C
7,292 (42.4%)
D
4,763 (27.7%)
E
1,039 (6.0%)
F
172 (1.0%)
G
30 (0.2%)

Energy Efficiency Score

71
CO4 avg
67
National avg
+4 points vs national average

Potential score if all improvements made: 83 (rating B)

Recommended Improvements

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

More data — property types, tenure & fuel

Property Types

11,341
House
3,832
Flat
1,358
Bungalow
658
Maisonette
1
Park home

Tenure

7,942
Owner-occupied
3,317
Private rented
3,255
Social rented

Main Fuel Types

14,314
gas
2,337
electric
446
oil
93
other

Frequently asked questions

What is the average EPC rating in CO4?

Homes in CO4 have an average EPC rating of C, scoring 71 out of 100 for energy efficiency. That figure comes from 17,190 certificates issued across the district.

This is broadly in line with the national average of 67 — neither particularly efficient nor particularly wasteful.

What percentage of homes in CO4 are rated F or G?

1.2% of homes in CO4 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 CO4 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 Colchester →