The 2030 policy is confirmed, and the clock is already ticking
In 2026, the government confirmed its policy intention for privately rented homes to meet a higher EPC standard from 1 October 2030, subject to the necessary legislation and Parliamentary approval. The policy includes recognised exemptions, but the single compliance date is intended to apply across new and existing tenancies.
The financial consequences of non-compliance are serious. Landlords who fail to meet the standard face penalties of up to £30,000 per property per breach. For anyone managing a portfolio across Westbury, Warminster and Trowbridge, that figure adds up quickly.
The good news is that there is still time to act, but only if you start now. At Martin & Co, we work with landlords across all three towns every day, and our message is consistent: 2030 is closer than it feels, and the landlords who act early will be the ones who avoid the stress, the scramble, and the significant cost of leaving it too late.
What the EPC C requirement actually means
The £10,000 cost cap explained
The government has confirmed a planned cost cap of £10,000 per property under the future standard. This means that if you spend up to £10,000 on qualifying energy efficiency improvements and your property still cannot reach Band C, you are not required to spend further. Crucially, any costs incurred from 1 October 2025 onwards count toward that cap, so improvements you make now are already on the clock.
The government’s own estimate puts the average spend at approximately £5,400 per property to reach Band C. That figure will vary considerably depending on the age, construction type, and current condition of your rental home.
The new EPC assessment format is now planned for 2027
The government now plans to launch reformed domestic EPCs in the second half of 2027, after moving the timetable back from October 2026. The current single-metric format will be replaced by a dual-metric system measuring two things: a fabric performance standard (the physical efficiency of the building itself, including walls, roof, floors and windows) and either a smart readiness metric or a heating system metric.
This is a significant shift. Properties that currently sit near the Band C boundary under the old system may find their rating recalculated under the new format. If you have not had your property assessed recently, now is the time, before the reformed EPC system arrives in 2027.
The 10-year exemption route
If you reach the £10,000 cost cap and your property still cannot achieve Band C, a 10-year exemption is available. This must be formally registered and properly evidenced. It is not a loophole, and it will not protect landlords who simply choose not to invest. The Renters’ Rights Act provides for a Private Rented Sector (PRS) Database, which will support future compliance checks once the relevant registration requirements are brought into force.
What this means for properties in Westbury, Warminster and Trowbridge
Older stock in Westbury town centre and Warminster’s BA12 8 zone
Landlords with older terraced homes in Westbury town centre and across Warminster’s BA12 8 postcode zone are likely to face the greatest challenge. Many of these properties were built before cavity wall and loft insulation became standard, and a significant number currently sit at Band D or below.
For these homes, the path to Band C will typically require a combination of measures: loft insulation top-up, cavity or solid wall insulation where feasible, draught-proofing, double or triple glazing upgrades, and in many cases a transition away from older gas boilers toward more efficient heating systems. None of these improvements are impossible, but they take time to plan, quote, and carry out properly.
Newer developments and what they mean for tenant expectations
On the other end of the spectrum, newer developments across the three towns are already performing well. Leigh Park and Paxcroft Mead in Trowbridge represent the kind of stock that may already meet or approach Band C compliance, thanks to more recent construction standards.
Meanwhile, the incoming Ashton Park homes, expected to carry A or B EPC ratings, will set a new benchmark for what tenants in the area expect. As higher-rated properties enter the market in Westbury, Warminster and Trowbridge, landlords with lower-rated stock will face growing pressure not just from regulation, but from tenant choice.
A practical action plan for landlords across all three towns
Step one: know your current EPC rating
Start by checking whether your EPC certificate is current and accurate. Certificates are valid for ten years, but if your property has been improved since the last assessment, or if the certificate is older or no longer reflects improvements made to the property, it may be worth commissioning a new one.
Step two: get a fabric-first assessment
The most cost-effective route to Band C almost always starts with the building fabric. Before considering heating system upgrades, assess:
- Loft insulation – is it present and at the recommended 270mm depth?
- Cavity wall insulation – does the property have suitable cavities, and have they been filled?
- Draught-proofing – doors, windows, letterboxes, and floorboards all contribute to heat loss.
- Windows – single glazing remains one of the most significant drags on EPC ratings.
Fabric improvements are typically more affordable than heating upgrades and have a lasting impact on both energy efficiency and tenant comfort.
Step three: consider heating system upgrades strategically
Under the new dual-metric EPC format, your heating system will be assessed directly. Older gas boilers, electric storage heaters, and inefficient systems will count against you. Heat pumps, modern condensing boilers, and smart heating controls are all worth considering, particularly if your property is already well-insulated.
Portfolio landlords in Westbury, Warminster and Trowbridge should approach this property by property, prioritising those furthest from Band C and those with the most straightforward improvement routes.
Step four: track your spending from October 2025
Because qualifying costs from 1 October 2025 count toward the £10,000 cap, it is essential to keep clear records of all energy efficiency expenditure from this point forward. Invoices, contractor details, and improvement descriptions should all be retained. If you eventually need to register an exemption, this documentation will be required.
How Martin & Co supports landlords in Westbury, Warminster and Trowbridge
At Martin & Co, compliance is not an afterthought, it is central to everything we do. With over 30 years of experience in residential lettings and more than 41,000 properties managed across our network, we understand the pressures landlords face when legislation changes.
Our local teams in Westbury, Warminster and Trowbridge are on hand to help you understand where your properties currently stand, what improvements are likely to be needed, and how to plan your approach without disrupting your tenants or your rental income.
Whether you manage one property or a portfolio spread across all three towns, we offer the same dedicated, knowledgeable support: a single point of contact who understands your properties and your goals.
The PRS Database is coming, so be ready
The Renters’ Rights Act provides for a Private Rented Sector Database, with implementation details and commencement dates being introduced separately. Once the relevant requirements are in force, the database is intended to support local authorities in checking landlord and property compliance.
This means the future EPC C-equivalent requirement does not exist in isolation. It will sit alongside wider landlord registration and compliance reforms as they are brought into force. Treating it as a standalone task to address in 2029 is not a strategy, it is a risk.
Act now, not in 2029
The landlords who will navigate the EPC C deadline most smoothly are those who begin their assessments and improvements now, while contractors have availability, while costs are manageable, and while there is time to plan properly.
Leaving improvements until 2028 or 2029 risks higher contractor costs driven by increased demand, difficulty securing appointments, and the very real possibility of a void period while works are carried out.
The Martin & Co teams in Westbury, Warminster and Trowbridge are ready to help you take the first step, with no fuss, no jargon, and no obligation.
Speak to your local Martin & Co team today
If you are a landlord in Westbury, Warminster or Trowbridge and you are unsure about your current EPC ratings, your compliance position, or what improvements your properties may need, get in touch with your local Martin & Co branch for a free, no-obligation conversation.
Book a free rental valuation and compliance review with the team closest to you:
- Westbury: 01373 866686
- Warminster: 01985 800200
- Trowbridge: 01225 263345
You can also book a free valuation online. Visit your local Martin & Co branch page to get started. Our teams are here to help you protect your investment, stay compliant, and let your properties with confidence and peace of mind.
