SO42 is below average for energy efficiency — most homes here have room to improve.
9.1% of homes are rated F or G — above the national average of 2.9%.
Across 1,668 assessed properties, SO42 achieves an average EPC score of 60 out of 100, placing it below the national average. For reference, the England and Wales average is 67 — so SO42 is below that benchmark. The most common rating band is D, with 8.2% of homes rated A or B and 60.5% in the C or D bands. Meanwhile, 9.1% 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.
Walk through SO42 and you will mostly see houses. Around 69% of properties are owner-occupied , while 23% are privately rented . Gas central heating is the main fuel source for 65% 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 60 to 78 — a 18-point jump that would lift the typical rating to C. That is a substantial gain, suggesting many homes are missing basic efficiency measures. If you live in SO42 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
Main Fuel Types
Frequently asked questions
What is the average EPC rating in SO42?
Homes in SO42 have an average EPC rating of D, scoring 60 out of 100 for energy efficiency. That figure comes from 1,668 certificates issued across the district.
That is below the national average of 67, which means there is real scope to improve energy efficiency here. A D rating typically means higher-than-necessary heating bills, especially in older properties without adequate insulation.
What percentage of homes in SO42 are rated F or G?
9.1% of homes in SO42 fall into the F or G bands — the lowest energy efficiency ratings. Nationally, the figure is 2.9%.
That means SO42 has a higher-than-average proportion of poorly insulated homes. On the positive side, many of these properties may qualify for free improvements through government schemes like ECO4 or the Great British Insulation Scheme. Landlords should note that F and G rated properties cannot legally be rented out under current MEES rules.