With energy bills still high and eco-conscious renters leading demand, energy efficiency has become a top priority in Stanmore’s rental market.
As of 2026, homes with an EPC rating of C or better are seeing faster lets, higher tenant satisfaction, and stronger rents across HA7. But what if your property falls short?
This guide helps landlords with older homes, especially period properties plan smart upgrades, access funding, and stay compliant with upcoming changes.
Why EPC ratings matter more than ever
Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) rate a property’s energy efficiency from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). The UK government has proposed raising the minimum legal standard for rental homes to EPC C by 2028. While the timeline is still being finalised, professional tenants are already factoring energy costs into their rental decisions.
Homes rated C or above typically achieve:
- Higher monthly rents
- Lower tenant turnover
- Shorter void periods
- Stronger resale value
In Stanmore, this is particularly true for professionals and families who value sustainable living and predictable bills.
How energy efficiency affects rental yields
A well-rated EPC is no longer just a tick-box exercise; it has a direct impact on rental yields in HA7.
Properties rated C or above are commanding 5-10% higher rents compared to similar homes rated D or E. This can translate into thousands of pounds a year, especially for larger flats or family homes.
For example:
- 2-bed Victorian conversion, EPC D: average rent £1,550
- 2-bed same spec, upgraded to EPC C: average rent £1,700–£1,750
The initial cost of retrofitting can often be recouped within a few years, particularly when voids are reduced.
What does retrofitting involve?
“Retrofitting” means upgrading an existing home to make it more energy efficient. For period homes in HA7, this often includes:
- Loft and wall insulation (including internal insulation for solid brick walls)
- Double or secondary glazing
- LED lighting and energy-efficient appliances
- Upgraded boilers or heat pumps
- Smart thermostats and zoned heating
The trick is knowing which changes offer the best return for your property type and how to install them without damaging period features.
Landlord grants and support in London 2026
To help offset the cost of energy upgrades, a number of landlord grants and schemes are available in 2026, including:
- Green Homes Grant Local Authority Delivery (LAD): for properties in certain eligible postcodes
- Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS): up to £5,000 towards heat pump installations
- Zero VAT on energy-saving measures (e.g. insulation, solar panels) until 2027
- LA Flex schemes through Harrow Council or GLA (Greater London Authority)
Many of these require your property to be professionally assessed, so using a registered retrofit assessor is key.
How to retrofit without overcapitalising
Not all improvements are created equal. Here are smart steps that work well in HA7:
- Book a professional EPC assessment to understand current score and upgrade options
- Focus on insulation first especially loft and external walls
- Upgrade lighting and heating controls for immediate impact
- Compare grant options before committing to large works
- Prioritise improvements with visible tenant benefits (comfort, warmth, lower bills)
Avoid overcapitalising by keeping the end goal in mind: tenant demand, rent uplift and long-term value.
Marketing energy-efficient homes to the right tenants
Tenants in 2026 expect transparency and value. If your home is energy efficient:
- Highlight the EPC rating in your marketing
- List monthly energy savings in the property advert
- Include photos of upgrades like modern heating or smart controls
- Emphasise comfort features (draft-free windows, quiet insulation)
Our team at Hunters Stanmore Lettings regularly works with landlords to position upgraded properties for maximum appeal.
The benefits of going fully managed
If you’re planning to retrofit or already own an upgraded rental, switching to fully managed property services makes life easier.
At Hunters Stanmore, we support energy-conscious landlords by:
- Organising EPC assessments and compliance checks
- Coordinating retrofitting works with approved contractors
- Updating listings to reflect improved EPC ratings
- Advising on rent reviews post-upgrade
- Ensuring compliance with energy and safety regulations
It also helps with new rules introduced under the Renters’ Rights Act 2026, which require better documentation and property condition reporting.
What the 2026 Renters’ Rights Act means for EPCs
The new act doesn’t just focus on eviction reform. It also includes stricter rules around:
- Habitable housing standards, including heating and insulation
- Digital landlord register, where EPCs will be publicly visible
- Tenant complaint handling, where poor EPC ratings may be challenged
If your property isn’t up to scratch, future lettings could become harder, especially in professional markets like Stanmore.
Energy efficiency by property type in Stanmore
Victorian conversions
- Common in Stanmore and Edgware borders
- Usually have single brick walls and high ceilings
- Benefit most from internal insulation and secondary glazing
1930s semis
- Often easier to insulate due to cavity walls
- Focus on loft insulation and smart heating systems
Modern flats (2000s onwards)
- Already C-rated or close
- Small changes like LED lighting and smart thermostats can push to B
Key takeaways for landlords in 2026
- Energy efficient homes in Stanmore now attract higher rents and better tenants
- EPC rating C is becoming the new standard act early to avoid last-minute costs
- Retrofitting can be done without ruining period features, with smart upgrades
- Government grants can help lower the cost of improvements
- Fully managed services simplify compliance, tenant communication and upgrades
Ready to upgrade your Stanmore rental?
Whether you’re planning improvements or need advice on making your property more energy efficient, Hunters Stanmore is here to help.
Our expert lettings team can assess your EPC status, recommend smart upgrades, and handle everything through our fully managed rental property service.
