“I'm out.”
It’s a phrase we’ve heard more than once over the past few years — from landlords feeling squeezed by rising mortgage costs, increasing legislation, and uncertainty about what comes next.
At the same time, tenants are facing their own challenges. A shortage of available rental homes has pushed average rents to around £1,450 per month, making affordability and availability a real concern across the country.
So where does that leave us now — and what should you be doing about it?
A Changing Rental Market
Recent data shows that over a quarter of landlords sold at least one property in late 2024 — the highest level on record. But there’s some cautious optimism: the pace of landlords leaving the market is beginning to slow.
Fewer rental properties are now being put up for sale compared to last year, suggesting that while the market has been under pressure, it may be starting to stabilise.
That said, new regulations — particularly around energy efficiency — are creating fresh challenges.
What Are the EPC Changes?
The government’s Warm Homes Plan has confirmed that:
- By 1st October 2030, all privately rented properties in England and Wales must achieve a minimum EPC rating of C
- Scotland is working towards similar targets, with earlier deadlines for new tenancies
- Northern Ireland is expected to follow in time
This is a significant shift — especially for landlords with older properties.
Why This Matters for Landlords
The reality is simple: upgrading a property costs money.
- The current cap for energy improvements is £10,000 per property
- Many landlords are already working with relatively modest profits
- Older properties are far more likely to fall below the required EPC rating
In fact, the older the property, the greater the likelihood that improvements will be needed — meaning some landlords could face substantial investment just to remain compliant.
There’s also a time pressure. With just a few years to go, leaving upgrades until the last minute could mean:
- Higher costs due to demand for tradespeople
- Delays in getting work completed
- Difficulty securing EPC assessors
The Opportunity: Higher Demand for Efficient Homes
While the changes bring challenges, they also highlight a clear trend:
Energy-efficient homes are becoming more desirable.
- Properties with EPC ratings of B and C are achieving some of the strongest rental yields
- Lower energy bills are increasingly important to tenants
- Well-rated homes can often justify stronger rental values
In short, investing in energy efficiency isn’t just about compliance — it can make your property more attractive and competitive.
Support Available to Landlords
Many landlords aren’t fully aware of what’s required — or what support is available.
There are schemes that may help reduce the cost of improvements, including:
- ECO4 funding for energy efficiency upgrades
- The Boiler Upgrade Scheme for heat pumps
- Local authority grants targeting energy improvements
At Deakin-White, we help landlords:
- Review current EPC ratings
- Identify what improvements are needed
- Connect with trusted, reliable contractors
- Plan upgrades in a cost-effective and manageable way
What This Means for Tenants
For tenants, these changes are ultimately positive — but the process can be disruptive.
Energy upgrades can involve:
- Temporary inconvenience during works
- Access arrangements for contractors
- Changes to heating systems or insulation
That’s why communication is key.
At Deakin-White, we work closely with both landlords and tenants to:
- Provide clear notice of any planned works
- Minimise disruption wherever possible
- Ensure homes remain comfortable and safe throughout
Well-managed improvements don’t just upgrade the property — they help build longer-term, more stable tenancies.
Looking Ahead: More Changes on the Horizon
The way EPC ratings are calculated is also set to evolve.
A new system — known as the Home Energy Model (HEM) — is expected to be introduced in the coming years. This will assess properties across multiple factors, including:
- Energy costs
- Carbon emissions
- Overall energy use
- Heating systems
This means some properties could see their ratings change, even without physical alterations — particularly those relying on older heating systems.
Final Thoughts
The rental market has been through a challenging period — for both landlords and tenants.
- Landlords are balancing rising costs and increased regulation
- Tenants are navigating higher rents and limited supply
The EPC changes are another step in that journey — but they don’t have to be a setback.
With the right planning and support, they can be an opportunity to:
- Improve property value
- Attract and retain good tenants
- Future-proof your investment
At Deakin-White, we’re here to guide you through every step — whether you’re a landlord preparing for the future, or a tenant looking for a well-managed, energy-efficient home.
If you’d like advice on your property or tenancy, get in touch with our team today.
