Victorian terraces are everywhere across Greater Manchester. Bury, Bolton, Rochdale, Oldham, Accrington... rows and rows of them built to house mill workers in the 1800s. They're characterful, they're solid, and they almost always get a lower EPC rating than their owners expect. Here's why, and what you can do about it.
Most Victorian terraces have solid brick or stone walls with no cavity. That means you can't just pump insulation into the wall. Solid wall insulation exists (internal or external), but it's expensive and disruptive. This is the single biggest factor dragging ratings down. For most homeowners, the cost isn't justified for an EPC improvement alone, but if you're renovating anyway, it's worth considering.
Original sash windows are beautiful but they're single-glazed and draughty. Replacing them with double-glazed units improves the rating, but if you're in a conservation area (parts of Ramsbottom, for example) you may need to use sympathetic designs. Secondary glazing is an alternative that's often acceptable in conservation areas and still helps the rating.
Even with solid walls, getting the loft insulation up to 270mm makes a noticeable difference. Many Victorian properties I assess have either no loft insulation or a thin layer that was put down decades ago. This is usually the cheapest and easiest improvement.
A lot of Victorian terraces in Greater Manchester still have back boilers tucked behind a gas fire in the living room. These are extremely inefficient and replacing them with a modern combi boiler is one of the biggest improvements you can make. If the property has had a boiler upgrade but still has the old gas fire, make sure TRVs and a room thermostat are fitted too.
Open chimneys are a significant source of heat loss. A chimney balloon or cap is a simple fix that reduces draughts. I note chimney ventilation during every assessment.
With loft insulation, a modern boiler, and double glazing, most Victorian terraces can reach a D rating. Getting to C is harder without addressing the solid walls. An E rating is common for properties that haven't had any improvements. That's not unusual and it won't stop a sale, but landlords need to be aware of the minimum E requirement for rental properties. You can read more about that in my post on landlord EPC rules for 2026.
For a full breakdown of what you can do to move up a band or two, have a look at my guide on how to improve your EPC rating.
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