Domna

Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) are rising – EPC E is the minimum today, the government plans to raise it to EPC C by 2030. Complying can be daunting – it doesn’t have to be. Done right, energy efficiency can add 20%+ to valuations, boost rental income by 10%+, and cut tenant energy consumption by 40%+.

We’re delighted to offer our “one stop shop” energy efficiency services to NRLA members. You can order a remote assessment to get a sense of your options, book in for a physical survey, and arrange a project manager to oversee your job from end to end.

Rentals must be at least EPC E today - that's rising to EPC C by 2030 under the government's current plans

As of 2018, all rental properties must meet an EPC rating of at least E. Over 100,000 properties in the UK do not comply. Failure to meet this legal requirement can result in heavy fines - £5,000 per property or 10% of rentable value to start, rising to £10,000 per property or 20% of rentable value after 3 months, up to a maximum of £150,000. 

The government's Warm Homes Plan commits to raising energy efficiency standards to EPC C on all private rentals by 2030, a much stricter requirement. With councils actively inspecting non-compliant properties, landlords must act now to ensure their portfolios meet current and future regulations. 

Energy efficiency upgrades also address health and safety. Poorly insulated homes are more susceptible to damp and mould. The new government plans to address these issues more strongly, making it even more essential to ensure your property is adequately insulated and ventilated. 

Energy efficiency can add +20% to house price, +10% to rental income, and cut tenant energy bills by 40%+

Energy efficiency isn't just about compliance - it's the smart financial decision. Energy-efficient homes can see 20%+ increases in valuations and 10%+ boosts in rental income. Energy efficiency upgrades can also cut energy bills by up to 40% - making your property more attractive to tenants. 

Rent-to-income ratios are rising across the UK. For example, 35% of income spent on rent for the median household in London. UK households spend on average £1.6k a year on energy bills - the "thirteenth month of rent" for tenants. Tenants who enjoy lower energy bills and more comfortable are more likely to renew their leases, ensuring a steady rental income. 

Energy efficiency isn't just a regulatory tick box; it's a smart investment that pays back both in terms of property value and rental income.  

Domna's "one stop shop" makes EPC upgrade simple - assess the potential, find qualified installers, and navigate grants in one place

Upgrading your property's energy efficiency doesn't need to be overwhelming. It can be done incrementally, starting with simple, non-intrusive improvements that don't disrupt tenants and still provide significant benefits. You don't have to do everything all at once. 

Energy efficiency doesn't need to be wildly expensive. At Domna, we encourage clients to start with 'quick wins' - modest, non-intrusive measures like insulation, solar panels, or a boiler upgrade, that doesn't break the bank. 

We also work with clients to maximise their grand funding. Most landlords don't know that energy efficiency works may be eligible for grants through the Energy Company Obligation, Great British Insulation Scheme, or Boiler Upgrade Scheme - schemes delivering over £1bn per year in funded works. 

Energy efficiency, 'retrofit', EPC upgrades - these are all different terms for upgrades that reduce a home's energy demand, or switch it's energy source to something cleaner.

Typically, energy efficiency starts 'fabric first' - insulating walls and lofts, draughtproofing, and introducing double or triple glazing or secondary glazing. Installing LEDs and heating controls are also 'low handing fruit' measures to reduce energy demand. They are typically quite cheap and have a fast payback. 

Next, there are renewable energy systems - primarily solar power systems or heat pumps. These can have a substantial impact on the EPC rating and cut bills. 

You may have read about eye-watering costs to make these upgrades – upgrading your property’s energy efficiency doesn't need to be expensive or overwhelming. It can be done incrementally, starting with simple, non-intrusive improvements that minimise disruption to tenants while still providing significant benefits. You don’t have to do everything all at once.

Energy efficiency can be cost effective – and achieve a positive return on investment. At Domna, we encourage clients to start with 'quick wins' – simple measures like cavity and loft insulation or draughtproofing that have big impact at low cost. Many landlords have found success by taking a phased approach to energy efficiency improvements. Start with modest, non-intrusive measures like insulation, solar panels, or a boiler upgrade, and then moving on to more comprehensive measures as time and budget allow.

We are offering a 67% discount for NRLA members on our proprietary remote assessment – giving you an accurate overview of your EPC upgrade options, the likely cost, and the likely impact on valuation, tenant energy consumption, and CO2 emissions. You can place an order directly using the order form below.

Complete the form below to submit a new order to Domna Homes. Their team will get in touch to confirm your order and begin your assessment.

To speak directly with our team, follow the link below to submit an enquiry form. 

Alternatively, contact us by email at [email protected] or visit us at www.domna.homes.