Smarter property upgrades for landlords
Upgrade your rental property for lasting value with energy?efficient improvements that keep tenants happy and ahead of changing standards.
If you own a rental property in Oxfordshire, you’ll know that expectations are changing. Tenants want warmer, greener homes with lower energy bills, and government rules on energy efficiency are tightening.
Whether you let a single property or manage a whole portfolio, improving your property’s energy performance is one of the best ways to reduce costs, meet new standards, and make your rental more appealing.
Why energy efficiency matters for landlords
Making your property more efficient is no longer just about meeting the minimum Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) requirement. It’s about:
- Keeping your property competitive as tenants increasingly value warm, low?cost homes.
- Protecting your investment by staying ahead of future regulations.
- Reducing running costs and cutting the risk of arrears by helping tenants manage their bills.
Acting early gives you time to plan improvements, spread costs, and avoid last?minute upgrades when new rules come in.
“As a landlord I want to stay compliant. A survey gives you so much information about your property and helps you put a clear plan in place for what’s ahead.”
Christian, Landlord, Littlemore, Oxford
Why EPCs are just one part of the picture
EPCs are required for any rented home, but they have their limits. They give a broad rating (A to G) and generic suggestions, such as topping up insulation or replacing a boiler. What they don’t give you is a clear, property?specific plan.
Common limitations of EPCs
No phasing – they don’t show you how to plan upgrades in sensible steps over time.
Generic advice that may not be practical (e.g. suggesting external wall insulation in a conservation area).
Short?term focus on the letter rating, missing wider benefits like tenant comfort and long-term value.
Outdated metrics that don’t fully recognise the efficiency of modern low?carbon heating systems.
“We want our properties to be as efficient as possible – for their longevity and for our tenants, so they have lower bills. The Whole House Plan was detailed and really useful in showing us what to do next.”
Connie, Property Manager, Lucy Properties, Jericho, Oxford
Smarter planning for better properties
At Cosy Homes Oxfordshire, we take a whole?house approach. Our Whole House Plan gives you a complete, independent assessment of how a property performs – and the steps that will make the biggest difference.
With tailored advice, we:
- Provide specific recommendations for your property – no templates.
- Factor in tenancy cycles, budgets, and planning constraints.
- Help you improve energy performance in a managed, phased way.
- Make sure upgrades work together for the long term, not just to meet a rating.
Why act now?
At present, landlords in England and Wales must ensure their properties meet at least EPC Band E to rent legally. The government has signalled a move to Band C by 2030 (starting with new tenancies in 2028), so changes are coming.
Starting now means you can:
- Plan upgrades around tenancy dates
- Spread costs over time
- Avoid rushed, last-minute decisions
And beyond compliance, efficient properties:
- Reduce energy bills and running costs
- Attract and retain good tenants
- Are more comfortable and quieter to live in
“I rent mainly to young professionals and want to make the flat as appealing and efficient as possible. With electric heating, bills can be high, so I’m keen to cut costs for tenants while doing my bit on climate.”
Catherine, Landlord, Temple Cowley, Oxford
Take the next step
We are Oxfordshire’s independent service for planning and managing smarter home upgrades. With our Whole House Plan, you’ll get a clear, practical roadmap for improving your rental property – sensible steps, no pressure.
Not sure where to start? If you live in Oxfordshire, Arantxa – one of our experienced advisers – can talk through your options and help you work out what will make the biggest difference for your property. Call 0330 223 2742, or send us a quick message.
Smarter home upgrades. Backed by trusted local expertise.