EPC misrepresented as A, actually a B

Bilivino

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81958198#Comment_81958198

The methodology used for EPCs for new builds did not change. Only the methodology used for existing dwellings changed on 15th June 2025.

saajan_12

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81958250#Comment_81958250

Given its extremely hard and rare to achieve that rating in new builds, it was a fairly significant driver in us deciding to buy the property at a certain price. …

The 0.5% offered solely accounts for the cost of installing the WWHRS, not the future energy / cost savings of having them installed, nor the fact the property is not the A we were promised.

That's not really how damages work. In this case, if £5k covers a WWHRS and that would tip it into an A category (two big 'IF's) then its not that hard to achieve in the context of this property. So you could spend the £5k, get the work done upon move in, and have a property that is A rated and you'd have the future energy savings. If you choose not to do it, that would be your choice, but you'd benefit from interest on the 5k. Same as if someone totalled your car and paid you enough to replace it. If you don't buy a new car but spend it on repairs or higher taxi costs, that's your choice.

First thing I'd check is whether those two 'IF's hold - will £5k cover it including making good on the finish and will it then tick over into an EPC A? If yes on both, then you have a technical A which is what you were promised. You weren't promised it would be a high A.