Buy-to-Let Watch Episode 13: Helping Landlords Prepare for EPC Reform | Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) compliance remains a key priority for landlords as government proposals continue to evolve. Although earlier deadlines were paused, the February 2025 consultation has renewed momentum, with current recommendations requiring rental properties to reach EPC Band C by April 2028 for new tenancies and April 2030 for all tenancies.
A proposed £15,000 upgrade cap per property has intensified the need for careful planning, particularly for landlords with large portfolios. Many will require additional finance or structured borrowing to complete the necessary improvements.
“Even with uncertainty, landlords should not delay,” advises Liz Syms, CEO of Connect for Intermediaries. “Waiting too long could mean higher costs and reduced access to qualified installers.”
Financial Pressures on Portfolio Landlords
While £15,000 may feel manageable for a single property, landlords with 10 to 25 properties face significant cumulative costs. This is prompting many to review borrowing strategies, refinance portfolios, or explore specialist products designed to support energy-efficiency upgrades.
Lenders are responding by expanding green buy-to-let mortgage incentives, including:
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higher loan-to-value options for EPC A–C properties
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discounted fixed rates
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cashback for energy-efficient renovations
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green further advances
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enhanced product transfer deals
Advisers can stay ahead of these developments by exploring our buy-to-let mortgage support hub, which tracks lender changes across the sector.
“The market is shifting quickly. Advisers who stay informed can help landlords plan early and access the most competitive funding options,” adds Liz.
Grants and Alternative Funding Options
Landlords may also benefit from grants such as ECO4, available until March 2026, which supports insulation and heating improvements for homes with eligible low-income tenants.
Property-linked finance is currently under review and, if approved, would attach borrowing to the property instead of the individual borrower. This could lower risk, improve affordability, and make larger upgrades more achievable.
“This new approach could change how landlords fund improvements,” says Liz. “Clear guidance from advisers will be vital as these options develop.”
For wider funding strategies, advisers can explore our specialist mortgage solutions resource for complex or high-value cases.
Encouraging Accurate and Up-to-Date EPCs
One of the simplest steps advisers can recommend is ordering a fresh EPC assessment.
“Many landlords rely on outdated EPCs that overlook recent improvements,” Liz explains. “A new assessment may reveal they are already closer to compliance than expected.”
Tools such as Propflo can assist landlords in identifying the most cost-effective upgrade pathways and planning improvements over time.
Integrating EPC Planning into Portfolio Reviews
EPC considerations should be part of every portfolio review. For any property below a C rating, advisers can encourage clients to budget around £10,000 per unit while exploring grants, incentives, or additional borrowing options to spread the cost.
“If landlords plan now, they are less likely to face higher upgrade costs later – or risk becoming mortgage prisoners by 2028,” notes Liz.
For advisers seeking broader strategic support, our intermediary resources offer guidance on lender criteria, compliance, and client planning.
The Bigger Market Picture
According to the English Housing Survey, more than 2.5 million private rented homes in England fall within EPC Bands D–G. Proposed penalties of up to £30,000 per breach reinforce the importance of early action.
Market behaviour reflects this pressure:
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Some landlords are exiting lower-rated stock.
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Others are purchasing or upgrading properties to secure long-term rental viability.
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Investors increasingly prioritise energy-efficient assets to achieve better yields.
“Energy-efficient homes typically rent faster, command stronger rents, and unlock better mortgage rates,” says Liz. “Upgrades should be viewed as an investment opportunity, not just a compliance requirement.”
With more than 350 green mortgage products available from specialist and mainstream lenders, advisers can use sourcing tools such as Twenty7Tec to identify suitable options for their clients.
Helping Landlords Stay Ahead of EPC Reform
By supporting early planning, reviewing finance and grant options, and encouraging accurate EPC assessments, advisers can guide landlords through the evolving landscape with confidence.
Proactive conversations now will help landlords safeguard their portfolios, access competitive funding, and ensure ongoing compliance as EPC regulations continue to develop.
Thank you for reading our guide, “Buy-to-Let Watch Episode 13: Helping Landlords Prepare for EPC Rules. ” Stay “Connect“-ed for more updates soon!