Energy Performance Certificates in Bexley & Bexleyheath

Common property types

• 1930s metroland semi-detached houses: The defining property type across Bexleyheath and Welling, built during the suburban expansion along the railway lines. These have cavity walls, hipped roofs, and typically generous gardens. Many were built with cavity walls that remain unfilled, but the good news is that cavity wall insulation is one of the cheapest and most effective upgrades available, often improving a rating by a full band.
• Post-war council housing: Thamesmead contains large estates of 1960s and 1970s council-built flats and maisonettes, many now privately owned. Construction varies from concrete panel systems to traditional brick. Some blocks have had communal heating upgraded, while others still run on old electric storage heaters that score very poorly on EPC assessments.
• Victorian cottages in Old Bexley: The village area around Old Bexley has smaller period properties with solid brick walls, slate roofs, and original features. These are charming but often score lower on EPCs because solid walls let out more heat than cavity walls. These properties typically rate E or F.
• Flats above shops on Bexleyheath Broadway: Commercial high streets across the borough have residential flats on upper floors. These often have poor insulation between the commercial and residential spaces, shared or outdated heating systems, and limited scope for external improvements due to the mixed-use building structure.
• Erith riverside new builds: Modern apartment blocks along the Thames at Erith, built to current building regulations. These typically achieve B or C ratings with good insulation, double glazing, and modern heating systems. EPCs for these properties are straightforward.
• Ex-council houses in Northumberland Heath: 1950s-60s semi-detached and terraced houses, many now privately owned. Construction is typically brick cavity wall, often with concrete floors. Some have had council-funded cavity wall insulation, but others still have unfilled walls and single-glazed windows that keep ratings low.

Typical EPC issues we find in Bexley

• Flat roofs on rear extensions: Many 1930s semis in Bexleyheath have had single-storey kitchen extensions added with flat felt roofs. These are poorly insulated and leak heat. Insulating from above during a re-roof or from below with rigid board can make a noticeable difference to the overall rating.
• Uninsulated garage conversions: Converting a garage to a habitable room is common across DA5 and DA6, but many conversions were done without proper insulation in the walls, floor, or replacement garage door wall. The EPC assessment treats these as heated rooms, and if they are poorly insulated the rating suffers.
• Old storage heaters in ex-council flats: Electric storage heaters from the 1980s and 1990s are still found in many Thamesmead properties. Modern night storage heaters or a switch to gas central heating can substantially improve ratings, but the cost varies depending on whether a gas supply is already available.
• Solid walls in Old Bexley village: The Victorian cottages in the conservation area around Old Bexley have solid 9-inch brick walls with no cavity. External insulation is rarely permitted due to the conservation area, and internal insulation reduces already modest room sizes. These properties typically rate E or F.
• Conservatories on 1930s semis: A common addition across Bexleyheath and Welling. If the dividing wall between the conservatory and the main house has been removed, the conservatory becomes part of the heated space. Its typically single-glazed roof and walls then drag the overall rating down significantly.