Energy
Retrofit gap
The difference between a property's current EPC score and the potential score its certificate says the recommended work would reach.
Also called: EPC potential, improvement headroom, retrofit potential.
Definition
Retrofit gap, as the data uses it
Every certificate states a potential rating alongside the current one. The gap between them is the headroom: a D that could be a B has a large gap, an A has none. MarketCode computes it per certificate and ranks the properties in an area by it, defaulting to the sub-standard bands, so a retrofit programme or a lender's green product has a list to act on.
A null gap means it could not be computed, not that it is zero; a zero gap means the property is already at its potential, which is a different claim. Combine the ranking with the heating fuel to find the fossil-heated cohort that carries the largest case.
Tools
Tools that return it
EPC certificates for a property
epc_certificates()Every Energy Performance Certificate lodged against a property, newest first, with current and potential efficiency, CO2, heating fuel and system, floor area and construction age.
Retrofit candidates in an area
retrofit_candidates()Properties in an area with the most improvement headroom, ranked by potential efficiency. Defaults to the sub-standard bands E, F and G.
See also
Related terms
- EPC rating: The A to G energy efficiency band on an Energy Performance Certificate, lodged when a property is built, sold or let; MarketCode returns the full history of certificates, not just the latest.
- Minimum energy efficiency standard (MEES): The rule that privately rented property in England and Wales must reach at least EPC band E, so F and G stock cannot legally be let without a registered exemption.
FAQ
Questions about retrofit gap
What does Retrofit gap mean?
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The difference between a property's current EPC score and the potential score its certificate says the recommended work would reach.
Which MarketCode tools return retrofit gap?
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EPC certificates for a property, Retrofit candidates in an area. Each runs as an MCP tool in Claude, ChatGPT, Codex and Cursor and as a REST endpoint with an API key, at the same price.
Is improvement headroom the same thing?
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Yes. EPC potential, improvement headroom, retrofit potential are other names for what this entry defines; MarketCode uses "Retrofit gap" in its tool descriptions and responses.
See it on a real address.
Thirty minutes, your property or area, every figure sourced.