Energy efficiency is no longer just a buzzword; it is quickly becoming a make-or-break factor for landlords. With government targets tightening and tenant expectations rising, landlords need to take a serious look at how their properties perform on the Energy Performance Certificate scale.
Despite improvements in recent years, nearly half of all UK homes still do not reach an EPC band C rating, highlighting the scale of the challenge ahead for many landlords. In the private rented sector specifically, around half of properties with an EPC registered remained below the minimum C rating, indicating the work needed to meet future minimum standards.
Why this matters now
While the government has yet to enforce the next phase of EPC minimums, a five-year runway is expected before stricter standards come into force. On paper, that may sound like plenty of time. In reality, though, waiting could prove costly.
1. Contractor bottlenecks
As deadlines draw closer, demand for qualified energy efficiency contractors will surge. Installers, electricians, and heating engineers will find themselves fully booked, leading to delays and premium pricing for late movers.
2. Rising material costs
From insulation materials to high-efficiency boilers, supply chain constraints can quickly push up costs. The closer landlords get to enforcement deadlines, the less bargaining power they will have.
3. Unrentable properties
Once the new standards are mandatory, non-compliant homes could become unrentable, risking long void periods, reduced income, and the need for emergency and expensive work.
Early action spreads costs over time, reduces stress, and helps keep properties desirable to increasingly eco-conscious tenants.
The EPC gap: How far off are most properties?
The UK housing stock remains heavily skewed towards older, less efficient homes. Many of these properties have outdated heating systems or poor insulation. Closing that gap isn’t just about compliance; it’s about protecting long-term return on investment (ROI).
The data shows clear winners when it comes to energy performance gains. Some upgrades deliver big improvements, while others offer excellent value for money.
Big lifts vs best value: A data-led guide to EPC upgrades
When deciding how to upgrade, landlords need to consider both impact (how much an upgrade improves the EPC score) and cost-effectiveness (how much each improvement point costs). Here’s what the data reveals.
The “big lift” upgrades: Major EPC gains
The “big lift” upgrades: major EPC gains
These upgrades typically deliver some of the largest approximate increases on the EPC scale. The exact improvement will vary depending on the property’s age, construction type, existing systems, and starting EPC rating, but the following figures offer a useful guide:
- Condensing boiler installation: around +12.9 EPC points
- Room-in-roof insulation: around +11.1 points
- Draughtproofing: around +8.7 points
These upgrades are ideal for older homes or properties at the lower end of the EPC scale, where meaningful improvements are needed to reach compliance. Although they may involve higher upfront investment, they can significantly reduce energy consumption and improve tenant appeal over the long term.
The “best value” upgrades: Strong ROI per pound
If you are working with a limited budget or want to phase improvements, these upgrades typically offer excellent approximate value for money. The cost-per-point figures below are indicative averages based on modelling and can vary depending on property size, condition, and local pricing.
- Hot water cylinder insulation: around £2.89 per EPC point
- Draughtproofing windows: around £11.45 per EPC point
- Loft insulation: around £48.04 per EPC point
These lower-cost, high-impact measures are an effective starting point for landlords building towards EPC compliance over time. They deliver immediate benefits in energy performance and tenant comfort while keeping overall expenditure manageable.
At Martin & Co, we guide landlords through a balanced upgrade strategy, combining high-impact improvements with cost-efficient measures for optimal returns.
Planning smart: Funding, phasing, and minimising voids
One of the biggest challenges landlords face is managing upgrades without disrupting rental income. That’s where strategic planning makes all the difference.
1. Phasing around tenancy cycles
Timing is everything. By scheduling upgrades during natural tenancy breaks, landlords can complete works without creating unnecessary voids. This phased approach also allows costs to be spread over multiple years, easing financial pressure.
2. Leveraging funding and finance options
A range of support mechanisms can help landlords manage upgrade costs, including:
- Government grants and local authority schemes for energy efficiency improvements
- Tax relief on qualifying energy-saving investments
- Green mortgages or financing products that offer lower rates for energy-efficient properties
By exploring all available funding, landlords can make compliance more affordable and, in many cases, more profitable.
3. Working with trusted local contractors
Reliable tradespeople are key to avoiding delays and cost overruns. Through Martin & Co’s network of vetted local contractors, landlords gain access to professionals who understand EPC upgrade requirements and can align schedules with property availability.
The result is smoother projects, higher-quality workmanship, and faster compliance.
Martin & Co’s EPC action plan: A step-by-step path to compliance
Every property is unique, and so is every EPC journey. That’s why Martin & Co has developed a structured, landlord-friendly process to make upgrades simpler and more transparent.
Our EPC support includes:
- Tailored action plans: We assess your current EPC rating and outline the most efficient route to reach or exceed a C rating.
- Access to local experts: We connect you with trusted contractors for heating, insulation, and electrical work.
- Progress tracking: Regular updates keep you informed about progress, deadlines, and any changes to legislation.
- Ongoing compliance support: Our agents stay on top of evolving EPC rules, ensuring landlords are always ahead of the curve.
Whether you own one property or a portfolio of twenty, Martin & Co provides the roadmap to compliance without the panic.
Why does waiting cost more
Many landlords assume that waiting will allow technology or funding options to improve before acting. But the evidence suggests the opposite.
- Labour shortages drive up installation costs as deadlines approach.
- Rising demand means longer waits for contractors.
- Non-compliance fines or rental restrictions could become a genuine risk for properties that miss the mark.
The smartest landlords are acting now, locking in current prices, securing reliable contractors, and enjoying the benefits of improved energy efficiency today.
Future-proof your investment with Martin & Co
The EPC landscape is changing fast, and proactive landlords will be the ones who stay compliant, profitable, and competitive. By planning early, spreading costs, and leveraging expert guidance, you can turn an impending deadline into a valuable opportunity.
At Martin & Co, we’re here to help you:
- Understand your EPC position
- Identify cost-smart upgrade opportunities
- Access reliable local contractors
- Build a clear, actionable plan for the years ahead
Don’t wait for the rush. Start your EPC upgrade journey today and protect your rental income, your tenants, and your property’s long-term value.
Ready to get started?
Take the first step towards improving your property’s energy performance and securing your future returns. Learn how you can plan, fund, and complete EPC upgrades with expert support from your local Martin & Co team. Contact us today to make your property more energy-efficient and ready for the future.
