SO17 is around the national average for energy efficiency.
Across 6,961 assessed properties, SO17 achieves an average EPC score of 67 out of 100, placing it around the national average. For reference, the England and Wales average is 67 — so SO17 is around that benchmark. The most common rating band is C, with 7.8% of homes rated A or B and 79.7% in the C or D bands. Meanwhile, 2.3% 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.
Walk through SO17 and you will mostly see flats. Flats alone account for 53% of all certificated properties — a distinctly urban profile. Around 40% of properties are owner-occupied , while 49% are privately rented . That high proportion of rental homes matters — landlords in SO17 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. Gas central heating is the main fuel source for 74% 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 67 to 78 — a 11-point jump that would lift the typical rating to C. If you live in SO17 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
Energy Efficiency Score
Potential score if all improvements made: 78 (rating C)
Recommended Improvements
Government funding may be available for some of these improvements. Check grants →
More data — property types, tenure & fuel
Property Types
Tenure
Over 35% of homes in SO17 are privately rented — private rental properties often have lower EPC ratings.
Main Fuel Types
Frequently asked questions
What is the average EPC rating in SO17?
Homes in SO17 have an average EPC rating of D, scoring 67 out of 100 for energy efficiency. That figure comes from 6,961 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 SO17 are rated F or G?
2.3% of homes in SO17 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 SO17 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.