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Retrofitting your rental properties can make them warmer, healthier, and cheaper to run while boosting tenant appeal and property value. It also ensures compliance with regulations like the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES), which require all private rentals to achieve EPC C by 2030.

Energy-efficient homes improve tenant well-being, reduce issues like damp and mould, and future-proof your properties. Renters in homes with EPC D-G are 73% more likely to experience damp than those in homes rated A-C (Citizens Advice).

By starting with a whole house assessment, you can create a tailored plan to ensure upgrades work together seamlessly, avoid costly mistakes, and prioritise the most effective improvements. Discover how landlords across Oxfordshire are transforming their properties with ‘A House Like Mine’ case studies.

Pre-1900s end-terrace, Jericho, Oxford (rental)

Current EPC rating: 58 D. Potential EPC: 85 B

Spacious end-terrace in a conservation area with retrofit potential

This case study focuses on a 5-bedroom end-terrace home in a conservation area, occupied by five adults. With a floor area of 135 m² (1,453 ft²), the property features solid walls, suspended timber floors, and a pitched roof with rooms-in-roof.

The timber windows include a mix of single, double, and secondary glazing, offering varied levels of insulation. The home’s annual energy use is 29,334 kWh – equivalent to 220 kWh per square metre – with carbon emissions of 6.1 tonnes per year. A tailored Whole House Plan could identify key improvements, such as upgrading insulation and optimising glazing, to enhance energy efficiency, reduce costs, and create a more comfortable living environment.

1950s end-terrace, Blackbird Leys, Oxford (Rental)

Current EPC rating: 68 D. Potential EPC: 100 A

End-terrace family home with potential for greater efficiency

This case study features a 3-bedroom end-terrace home occupied by two adults and three children. The property has a floor area of 87 m² (936 ft²) and a mix of cavity and solid walls, solid concrete floors, and a pitched roof with a loft.

The windows are uPVC double glazed, providing some energy efficiency. However, the home’s annual energy use is 14,478 kWh – equivalent to 167 kWh per square metre – with carbon emissions of 3 tonnes per year. A tailored Whole House Plan could help identify opportunities to improve insulation, reduce energy consumption, and enhance comfort for the tenants while meeting future efficiency standards.

1900s mid-terrace, Littlemore, Oxford (Rental)

Current EPC rating: 62 D. Potential EPC: 100 A

Mid-terrace family home with room for improvement

This case study highlights a 3-bedroom mid-terrace home occupied by two adults and two children. With a floor area of 64 m² (689 ft²), the property features solid brick walls, suspended timber floors, and a pitched roof with a loft.

The windows are primarily uPVC double glazed, with some single glazing and bay windows, offering a mix of insulation levels. The home’s annual energy use is 13,736 kWh – equivalent to 216 kWh per square metre – with carbon emissions of 2.8 tonnes per year. A tailored Whole House Plan could help the property address its heat loss, improve comfort for tenants, and lower energy bills while reducing its environmental impact.

1990s top-floor flat, Temple Cowley, Oxford (Rental)

Current EPC rating: 65 D. Potential EPC: 85 B

Energy-efficient opportunities in a top-floor flat

This case study features a 1-bedroom top-floor flat in a conservation area, occupied by two tenants. With a compact floor area of 55 m² (592 ft²), the property is built with timber frame walls, timber floors (situated above another flat), and a pitched roof with a loft.

The flat benefits from double-glazed windows and skylights, contributing to natural light and some energy efficiency. With an annual energy use of 5,235 kWh – equating to 95 kWh per square metre – and carbon emissions of just 0.7 tonnes per year, the property already performs well. However, a tailored Whole House Plan could identify further opportunities to enhance comfort, reduce running costs, and meet future energy standards.

Start by exploring the case study that matches your property type most closely. While no two properties are exactly the same, you’ll gain insights into the types of improvements that can be made and their potential impact.

You can also create a tailored plan for your property using tools like Cosy Homes Oxfordshire’s free Plan Builder tool or the Government’s Energy Efficiency tool.

For further guidance on retrofitting, financial support, and regulations, see our resources page.

Invest in your property today to create a healthier, more energy-efficient home that benefits you, your tenants, and the environment.

Discover more pages with tips, advice, and stories to guide your retrofit journey:

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