As the UK moves towards ambitious energy efficiency targets, landlords have a unique opportunity to upgrade their properties. By partnering with Cosy Homes Oxfordshire, you can achieve EPC compliance, improve tenant satisfaction, and future-proof your investments.

The government’s proposed requirement for rental properties to achieve an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of C or above by 2030 has brought both challenges and opportunities for landlords into sharp focus.

The current landscape for landlords

Recent research from Foundation Home Loans and Pegasus Insights highlights the scale of the task ahead:

• 67% of landlords own at least one property that falls short of the EPC ‘C’ standard.
• In buy-to-let markets, 33.8% of potential investments are below the requirement – rising to 46% in major cities.
• Landlords face an average upgrade cost of £12,000 per property, with solid wall insulation, new heating systems, and solar panels among the most common improvements.

While awareness of the new standards is high (92%), only 67% of landlords fully understand the details. Portfolio landlords are less informed than individual investors, with just 62% having a clear grasp of requirements.

Tackling challenges: Costs, awareness, and strategy

Funding remains a significant barrier for landlords.

• 71% plan to use personal savings, with others raising rents (42%) or seeking government grants (28%).
• Fewer are turning to financial products, such as releasing equity (12%) or securing mortgage advances (5%).

Government support, such as the Warm Homes Plan, provides billions in grants and low-interest loans to help landlords upgrade their properties. Measures include funding for insulation, low-carbon heating, and solar installations. Read more about the Warm Homes Plan here.

Green mortgage solutions also offer options for financing improvements. Many lenders provide incentives like lower interest rates or cashback for energy-efficient upgrades, helping landlords align environmental goals with financial benefits.

Why a whole-property approach matters

At Cosy Homes Oxfordshire, we help landlords take a strategic, cost-effective approach to meeting energy efficiency goals. Rather than focusing on quick fixes, we advocate for a comprehensive plan that ensures long-term savings, tenant comfort, and compliance. Our services include:

• Tailored energy assessments: Understand exactly what’s needed for your property.
• Access to grants and funding: We simplify the process of securing financial support.
• Project management: From design to installation, we handle every detail.

The benefits of upgrading

Upgrading your properties isn’t just about meeting EPC requirements – it’s about unlocking real benefits for you and your tenants:

• Improved tenant satisfaction: Comfortable, energy-efficient homes are more attractive, helping you retain reliable tenants.
• Increased property value: Upgrades can boost market value and long-term appeal.
• Lower running costs: Energy-efficient properties reduce utility bills, benefitting both landlords and tenants.

Future-proof your properties today

With the right guidance, upgrades don’t have to feel overwhelming. Partnering with Cosy Homes Oxfordshire means gaining a trusted ally who understands the challenges and opportunities landlords face.

Let’s get started today. Visit our Landlords’ Hub to learn more about how we can support your property upgrades. Together, we’ll create comfortable, low-carbon homes – for now and the future.