Landlords: Future-proof your properties with confidence
Energy efficiency standards for rental properties are rising, presenting an excellent opportunity for landlords to improve their properties.
With 51,680 rented properties in Oxfordshire – 19,200 of them in Oxford alone – landlords are under pressure to act now. Meeting these standards isn’t just about compliance – it’s a chance to reduce running costs, enhance tenant comfort, and protect the long-term value of your portfolio.
By investing in energy upgrades now, you can stay ahead of regulations and future-proof your property with confidence.
At Cosy Homes Oxfordshire, we’ve developed our Whole House Plan to help landlords like you make smarter, more informed improvements that go beyond ticking regulatory boxes.
Why an EPC isn’t the whole story
EPCs (Energy Performance Certificates) are a legal requirement, giving landlords a simple A–G rating for their properties’ energy efficiency. They’re a useful starting point, offering basic recommendations like upgrading insulation or replacing an old boiler.
However, an EPC is just a snapshot – it rarely considers your property’s unique needs or offers a roadmap for meaningful, lasting improvements.
The limitations of an EPC
Generic advice: EPCs provide standardised recommendations that may not suit your property’s unique needs. For example, they might suggest external wall insulation without considering planning restrictions in a conservation area.
Short-term focus: EPCs focus on improving ratings, but they don’t explore the broader benefits of retrofitting, such as tenant satisfaction, reduced energy costs, or enhanced property value.
Outdated metrics: The EPC system relies on outdated calculations that can undervalue modern technologies like heat pumps.
Not retrofit-ready: EPCs don’t show how different improvements interact or whether they’re practical for your property.
“As a responsible landlord, I obviously want to be compliant with the new legislation coming in. I’d encourage all landlords to get a survey as it gives you a huge amount of information about your property and really gives you the opportunity to put a plan in place for the legislation and beyond.”
Christian, Landlord, Littlemore, Oxford
A smarter way to improve your property
Our Whole House Plan offers landlords a comprehensive, tailored approach to energy efficiency. Unlike an EPC, it focuses on long-term benefits and practical solutions, helping you meet compliance standards while enhancing tenant satisfaction and protecting your property’s value.
- Tailored advice:
Instead of generic recommendations, you’ll get a detailed, property-specific plan designed for your unique circumstances. - Real-world benefits:
Understand how improvements will reduce energy bills, improve comfort, and make your property more appealing to tenants. - Practical solutions:
We factor in constraints like planning permissions, material availability, and minimising disruption to deliver achievable results.
Why act now?
New regulations will require all rental properties to achieve an EPC rating of C or higher by 2030. Acting early gives you the time to plan improvements, spread costs, and avoid rushed decisions.
Energy-efficient properties don’t just meet regulations, they also:.
- Protect your investment – Make your property stand out in a competitive rental market.
- Attract and retain tenants – Energy-efficient homes are more appealing to renters.
- Reduce running costs – Lower energy bills make your property more affordable to tenants.
“We always want to ensure our properties are as energy efficient as they can be, for the longevity of the property but also to make the houses better for the tenants and for them to have lower bills. We found the Whole House Plan really detailed and useful in telling us what we can do to make them more efficient.”
Connie, Property Manager, Lucy Properties, Jericho, Oxford
Get the right solutions
We’re Oxfordshire’s trusted retrofit specialists, offering landlords independent advice and tailored plans for energy efficiency. With our Whole House Plan, you’ll gain clarity, confidence, and a practical roadmap to improve your properties – ensuring they’re compliant, cost-effective, and future-ready.
If you’re ready to take the next step, we’re here to help. Get in touch today to learn more about how we can support your property improvement journey. Start your retrofit journey today by completing a short form or calling 0330 223 2742.
“I rent mostly to young professionals, and to make it as appealing as possible, I want to do my best energy-wise, as people are more and more interested in climate change. The flat is electrically heated, and this can be expensive, so I also really want to lower energy bills for tenants.”
Catherine, Landlord, Temple Cowley, Oxford
Are you a tenant?
If you’re a tenant in a private rental property in Oxfordshire and want to find out how to improve your home’s energy efficiency, we’ve created a helpful blog post just for you.
The post includes practical tips and a communications pack to help you start a conversation with your landlord about energy upgrades.