Tower Hamlets leads on energy upgrade preparedness
Tower Hamlets has been ranked the most ready place in the UK to upgrade homes for better energy performance, according to new analysis by comparison site Uswitch. The borough achieved a score of 9.99 out of 10 on a national index of "retrofit readiness", reflecting both the condition of local housing stock and the availability of accredited tradespeople.
Uswitch’s assessment points to two factors behind the strong showing: the share of properties with higher Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings and the presence of TrustMark-registered installers able to carry out improvement works. In Tower Hamlets, an estimated 85% of homes are rated between A and C on their EPCs, and there are around 529 TrustMark installers for every 10,000 homes with lower EPC scores (bands D to G). Together, those indicators suggest residents here are comparatively well placed to make homes warmer and cheaper to heat.
How the borough compares
Neighbouring inner-London areas also perform strongly in the rankings. Southwark is next on the list, followed by the City of London. At the other end of the spectrum, rural and island communities face bigger barriers, with fewer accredited installers per home needing upgrades.
| Area | Overall score | % homes EPC A–C | TrustMark installers per 10k D–G homes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tower Hamlets | 9.99 | 85% | 529 |
| Southwark | 9.63 | 77% | 297 |
| City of London | 9.41 | 69% | 4,961 |
| Isles of Scilly | 0.29 | 11% | 0 |
Uswitch notes that the City of London shows an exceptionally high number of approved installers for the relatively small pool of homes in need of work. Other inner-London boroughs including Hackney, Islington, Camden and Southwark also rank well for access to qualified trades. Outside the capital, places such as Knowsley, Hyndburn, Castle Point and Gosport are among those with stronger installer coverage.
Why retrofit readiness matters
Retrofit is the catch‑all term for improving existing homes so they use less energy and are more comfortable—think insulation, better glazing, draught‑proofing and more efficient heating systems. With energy prices still a major pressure on household budgets and the UK’s net‑zero commitments in focus, the availability of reputable local contractors to carry out this work is crucial.
“Improving the energy efficiency of the UK’s homes is a crucial part of reducing energy consumption, lowering household bills, and supporting the transition to net zero,” said Ben Gallizzi, an energy expert at Uswitch. “If you live in the wrong postcode, warming up your home might not just be expensive – it may genuinely be hard to find someone qualified to do the work.”
Gallizzi added that rural areas in particular can struggle to find accredited expertise, which can slow down upgrades and leave residents with higher bills for longer. The latest figures suggest urban boroughs like Tower Hamlets benefit from denser networks of installers and support services.
What this means for residents
For households in Tower Hamlets, strong "readiness" does not mean every home is efficient already—but it does indicate there is a broad base of skilled, vetted trades locally to help improve properties that need attention. EPC ratings run from A (most efficient) to G (least), and many older flats and houses fall somewhere in the middle bands. The combination of higher‑rated stock and plentiful installers can make it quicker to plan and complete upgrades.
- Check your home’s current EPC on the government’s online register to understand where improvements could help.
- Use the TrustMark directory to find accredited local installers for measures such as insulation or glazing.
- Compare quotes and ask about warranties and certification before commissioning any work.
Uswitch’s analysis underlines a wider pattern: while many city neighbourhoods are well served by retrofit specialists, more remote areas often face thinner supply. That uneven picture has implications for national progress towards cutting emissions from homes and bringing down energy bills.
The bigger picture
Even in high‑scoring areas, there will still be properties in bands D to G that could benefit from targeted work. For private renters, leaseholders and homeowners alike, understanding the local market for accredited installers—and the typical improvements that deliver value—can help make projects more straightforward. The TrustMark scheme is intended to give consumers assurance that contractors meet recognised standards.
As the borough’s housing stock continues to change, from new‑build blocks to refurbished terraces and estates, the availability of trained installers should help keep projects moving. The challenge nationally, as the Uswitch data suggests, is to ensure that access to qualified expertise is not a postcode lottery.
