Sensible landlords 'will be planning changes to improve energy efficiency'
Those with properties listed with residential lettings agents may find that they are better able to attract tenants if they take steps to improve the energy efficiency of their homes.
Under the government's proposed Green Deal, property owners, including landlords, can receive a low-cost loan to fund home improvements which lower the property's energy consumption.
According to Tom Entwistle, director of landlordZONE.co.uk, a free online resource for landlords, it is a good idea for owners of buy-to-let properties to take advantage of this offer.
"Human nature says [that] most people only make distress purchases when they are forced to do so and not before, even though this scheme is designed to spread the cost over future years," he said.
"However, sensible landlords will be looking ahead and making planned changes in the energy efficiency requirements of the properties they own."
Improved energy efficiency can help landlords attract tenants by offering them lower utility bills.
Furthermore, green issues are becoming increasingly important to the public, meaning properties with eco-friendly credentials will have an additional selling point.
It follows a recent survey by the Association of Residential Letting Agents which found that more than a third (35 per cent) of UK landlords are unaware of the energy performance of their properties.
Meanwhile, Mr Entwistle said that rising rents mean that it is currently a good time to make a UK property investment.
"Demographics and the economic situation means that residential property is still generally a good place to invest money, with caution, particularly when you consider inflation and the ultra-low interest rate environment for savings."
However, he added that new investors need to be aware that although rental demand is holding up very well, this could lead to higher levels of tenant debt and rent arrears.
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