The only problem with that approach is this:
I’m getting EPCs while the climate is favourable towards my properties. The proposed changes look less welcoming and we can’t be sure when they’ll come in. Sure, you’ll have some warning so a compromise might be to wait until you can be sure things will get stricter and do it then. But I prefer to minimse risk in what is already a risky investment area.
What has been proposed in latest consultation is we will be able to get epcs done with current method up till sep.2029 (after which new method will apply). This is later than previously. Unlikely in that context it will be brought forward
If you currently have an epc C that last till 2035 and you could rely on it till then and hope still to get a C under new method (or exemptions) early in 2035. Or in late 2028/early 2029 you could get a new epc with current method to give you the extra 3-4 years without worrying about whether will get C on new method.
Agree getting new epc right now possibly unnecessary esp if confident can get a C agsin under current method. If you are only just a C at moment or a D and have done some upgrades it may well be worth getting a new epc now to see where you are at/what you could do to improve.
Best
I’m hoping you will know off hand the current situation and kindly save me the research.
Is there currently a tax allowance for insulation / EPC improvements from the government?
Thanks in anticipation.
If you mean can you set it against tax . Yes you can. i have just put up a false ceiling in a flat with rockwool insulation above . I paid my son to help.
Generally you cant offset improvements against income tax but you can against CGT when you sell. There is do difference for EPC improvements compared to other improvements.
Redoing loft insulation with modern materials could probably be claimed as maintenance and therefore offset against income tax but new things, eg solar panels, cant be offset against income tax.
Past years I have insulated and always set against tax
yeah but it doesn’t mean what you did was right. HMRC don’t check every return in detail.
If you added insulation where there was none, that’s an improvement and a capital expense to be set against CGT when you sell.
I use an accountant. he did it
ok well that’s not what you initially said… and it doesn’t mean what he did was right 
There used to be an allowance under Landlord Energy Saving Allowance. This allowed insulation to be deducted against income tax subject to totsl of £1500 per property. This was stopped in 2015…
You definitely cant do that now…
suggest you change a/c if you use one
Thank you Richard, that was what I was looking for.
I suppose it makes no odds when one can offset the actual expense of upgrade refurbishment including insulation improvements.
I cannot see how anyone can do anything until we have the new formulas that the Govt is supposedly bringing out later this year.
it’ll be possible to use the current EPC methodology which will be less stringent [or certainly no tougher) up till sep 2029, so if somebody already thinks they will need insulation or double glazing to get to a C they might choose to crack on now. If they previously had a C and it has expired they could get a new EPC with a C now and it would last till early 2036.
Waiting till the new tougher method details comes out is an option esp if you are looking to use it because you have or are planning to get a heat pump, solar, or ‘smart controls’
best
yep… exactly what I’m doing with my high D properties. One has already achieved a C. Hopefully, tomorrow, so will the second. Next week, I’m hoping my final one will get there too. Then I’m all set to sell to the BTL market with EPC C already in place.