Almost one in five (17%) landlords have made efforts to improve the energy efficiency of their property in the last year, a new study by Shawbrook Bank has revealed.

This figure rises to 22% for portfolio landlords, which is those with four or more buy-to-let properties.

A total of 1,000 landlords, including 150 portfolio landlords, as well as 1,000 private tenants were surveyed on their property portfolio and rental situation respectively.

Of the landlords that had undertaken a refurbishment, Shawbrook found that 22% had replaced the boiler and heating system in their property, while a further 23% had replaced the windows, and 18% had installed new white goods. All these actions could have an impact on a property’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) and help landlords move closer to achieving a rating of C or above.

Shawbrook’s findings come ahead of new rules which are due to come into force in 2025, which will mean rental properties with an EPC rating of D or below will not be able to take on new tenants.

According to data from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, there are currently close to 13 million homes in England and Wales with an EPC rating of D or below.

Shawbrook MD property finance, John Eastgate, commented: “For many property owners in the UK, getting their property to a C rating is going to take a lot more than simply installing a new boiler. The reality is that for older properties – some of which may be listed – it will be an expensive exercise to make the necessary changes.

“It’s welcome news that landlords are already acting ahead of the rule change in 2025 and it’s completely right that we should all be considering how to make our properties more energy efficient and environmentally friendly. Some owners, however, will need support from both lenders, and the government, to make these changes financially possible.”

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