On 9 March 2026, the government confirmed that reformed HEM-based EPCs will not launch in October 2026 as originally planned. The new target is the second half of 2027. The announcement, published as an update to the consultation outcome page on GOV.UK, came just days before the HEM EPC consultation closed on 18 March. With the MEES EPC C deadline still set for October 2030, landlords now face a significantly tighter window between the new methodology arriving and having to comply with it.
What Changed
The government's January 2026 partial consultation response had committed to delivering new-style EPCs from October 2026, while acknowledging this timeline was “ambitious.” On 9 March, the consultation outcome page was updated with a single paragraph:
Following engagement with industry on the delivery timeline, we have decided to move the launch of the reforms to the second half of 2027. We will work with industry and the devolved administrations to agree a new launch date and shared implementation plan by the summer of this year.
No further detail was given. The specific launch date within the second half of 2027 has not been set, and the government has committed only to agreeing a date by summer 2026. The remaining consultation response (covering questions 22 onwards, including how EPCs are assessed under HEM) is still pending.
What Stays on Track
The delay applies specifically to the reformed EPC methodology and the new four-metric certificate format. Several other reforms confirmed in January 2026 remain unaffected:
| Reform Element | Status |
|---|---|
| HEM-based EPC methodology | Delayed to H2 2027 |
| Four new headline metrics | Delayed to H2 2027 |
| New EPC visual format | Delayed to H2 2027 |
| MEES EPC C deadline | Unchanged — October 2030 |
| Heritage exemption removal | Unchanged |
| Short-term let EPC requirement | Unchanged |
| EPCs required at point of marketing | Unchanged |
| 10-year EPC validity period | Unchanged |
For full details on the heritage and short-term let changes, see our heritage and short-term let article.
The MEES Squeeze
The most significant consequence of this delay is the compressed timeline between the new EPC methodology launching and landlords being required to meet it. With reformed EPCs arriving in the second half of 2027 at the earliest, and the MEES EPC C deadline fixed at October 2030, landlords have roughly three years to understand the new system, get their properties reassessed, and carry out any improvement works needed.
The challenge is compounded by uncertainty. Properties currently rated C under the existing SAP-based methodology may score differently under HEM's four-metric system. A dwelling that passes on energy cost may fall short on fabric performance or heating system efficiency. Until the new methodology is live and band boundaries are confirmed, landlords cannot be certain their properties will still meet the C threshold.
Industry reaction has been mixed. The British Property Federation described the delay as unsurprising, noting the October 2026 date was always a stretch, but questioned what the delay means for MEES implementation. The NRLA advised landlords to aim for EPC C now, arguing that properties already at that level are in a strong position regardless of methodology changes. Landlord Knowledge described landlords as being in “investment limbo” — uncertain whether improvements made now will still count under the new system. Anna Moore, CEO of the Domna Group, told Inside Housing that continued uncertainty reduces confidence among housing associations, local authorities, and landlords investing in their homes.
What This Means for HEM
For the Home Energy Model itself, the delay extends an already long transition. The Future Homes Standard launched in 2025 with SAP 10.3 as the sole compliance methodology for new builds, with HEM intended to follow 3+ months later and run alongside SAP 10.3 for 24 months. That dual-running period now has more breathing room on the domestic EPC side.
Software vendors building HEM-compatible tools gain additional development time. The ECaaS platform, which provides the API backbone for HEM calculations, has more runway for testing and refinement. For energy assessors, there is no immediate urgency to retrain on HEM for domestic EPC work — though assessors working on new-build compliance under the Future Homes Standard still need to be up to speed with SAP 10.3.
The delay also means the existing RdSAP-based EPC system continues to be the only game in town for domestic assessments until at least late 2027. Any EPCs issued now will remain valid for 10 years, well past the October 2030 MEES deadline.
What to Watch
- Summer 2026: the government will announce a specific launch date and shared implementation plan with industry and devolved administrations
- Remaining consultation response: questions 22 onwards (covering how EPCs are assessed under HEM) have not yet been answered
- MEES timeline pressure: whether the October 2030 MEES deadline holds or faces calls for adjustment given the reduced window
- Software readiness: how quickly assessment software vendors update their tools for the new methodology
For a full regulatory timeline, see our Timeline & Status page.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will reformed EPCs launch?
The government has moved the launch from October 2026 to the second half of 2027. A specific date and implementation plan will be confirmed by summer 2026.
Does this delay affect the MEES 2030 deadline?
No. The MEES EPC C deadline of October 2030 remains unchanged. Landlords will have roughly three years between the new methodology launching and the compliance deadline.
Should landlords wait to improve their properties?
The NRLA advises aiming for EPC C now under the current methodology. Properties already rated C are in a strong position regardless of which methodology applies. Waiting risks being caught in a rush before the October 2030 deadline with limited contractor availability and higher costs.
What happens to EPCs issued before the reform?
Current EPCs remain valid for 10 years from their issue date. When the reformed methodology launches, new EPCs will use the four-metric HEM-based system. Properties only need reassessment when their existing EPC expires or is triggered by a sale or new tenancy.
Related Pages
Timeline & Status
Live tracker of HEM, FHS, EPC reform, and MEES milestones.
EPC C by 2030 for Landlords
Full breakdown of the MEES rules, cost caps, and compliance timeline.
HEM EPC Consultation Guide
What the consultation proposed, how industry responded, and what it means for the new EPC system.
How EPCs Change Under HEM
The four new metrics, what they measure, and how the new EPC affects homeowners and landlords.