Landbay

Almost half of non-portfolio landlords are unaware of changes to minimum EPC




Around 46% of non-portfolio BTL landlords with one to three properties are unaware of the government’s proposals to increase minimum EPC ratings for rental properties to C, revealed the latest data from Landbay.

<
div>Under the new proposed regulations, landlords may be required to increase their properties’ energy efficiency to EPC C by 2025 for all new tenancies, and 2028 for existing ones.

According to the study, only 54% of non-portfolio landlords know about the proposals.
 
However, portfolio landlords are more aware of the potential new EPC requirements, as 80% of those with 10 or more properties and 70% of those with four to 10 units currently know about the government’s proposals.
 
When asked about upgrading their property to reach the required minimum EPC rating of C, most landlords said they would wait until 2025 to carry out necessary work. 
 
A third of larger landlords (35%) with 10 or more properties were willing to upgrade sooner, while only 20% of smaller portfolio and non-portfolio landlords said the same.
 
Paul Brett, managing director for intermediaries at Landbay (pictured above), said: “It is not surprising that most professional landlords are aware of the EPC rating changes that are due to start in 2025 — BTL investment is their business and most are hands-on landlords. 
 
“However, awareness among smaller landlords is much lower and although they have another four years to make any upgrades to properties, they should really know what is coming down the line.
 
“With an uptick in remortgaging due this year, brokers should take the opportunity to ask their landlord clients if they are aware of these new EPC rules. 
 
“Clients will appreciate their broker showing an interest in them beyond just the mortgage by demonstrating a wider knowledge of the BTL market.”

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