eco-Landlord Welcomes Government’s Warm Homes Plan — Time for Landlords to Act on EPC Upgrades Before 2026 Changes
22 January 2026
The UK Government has launched the Warm Homes Plan — the largest home upgrade programme in British history — committing £15 billion over five years to improve up to 5 million homes. Key measures include insulation, heat pumps, batteries, and solar panels, designed to lower energy bills, tackle fuel poverty, and advance net zero goals.
For the private rented sector (PRS), the Plan provides clear direction: stronger renter protections, expanded funding support, and confirmation of reforms to Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES). From 2030, privately rented properties must meet at least an EPC rating of C (up from E), with phased application potentially starting for new tenancies around 2028. The government is reforming EPC assessment metrics in the second half of 2026, moving toward a multi-metric system focused on fabric performance (heat retention), heating system efficiency and emissions, and smart readiness — rather than solely estimated running costs. This aims to better reward low-carbon upgrades like heat pumps and solar.
Around 5 million PRS properties exist in England and Wales, with nearly half currently rated D or below. Combined with a shortage of skilled installers, this creates urgency. Landlords are encouraged to plan upgrades early to benefit from the current EPC framework: properties achieving EPC C before the 2026 reforms can remain compliant under transitional arrangements until their existing EPC expires (typically valid for 10 years).
eco-Landlord is a free platform built specifically for landlords of any scale — from individual buy-to-let owners to those managing HMOs or multi-unit blocks — to improve EPC ratings with confidence. The service guides users through:
- Assessing current EPC ratings
- Identifying required upgrades to reach target ratings
- Creating personalised retrofit plans
- Exploring available grants and funding (including under the Warm Homes Plan)
- Connecting with qualified installers
- Arranging revised EPCs to verify improvements
For landlords paying energy bills (e.g., in HMOs), upgrades directly cut running costs while boosting tenant satisfaction, reducing voids, and enabling competitive rents. Higher-rated properties also gain resilience against tightening regulations.
The Warm Homes Plan expands financial support — particularly for solar panels, batteries, and low-income household upgrades (some fully funded) — creating a prime window for landlords to act while grant availability grows.
Angus Stewart, CEO of eco-Landlord, said:
“The Warm Homes Plan delivers much-needed clarity and momentum for warmer, more efficient homes. With EPC metrics evolving in 2026, acting now lets landlords secure compliance under the current system, access rising funding, and avoid future pressures. Our free platform simplifies the process, delivering benefits for tenants, landlords, and the environment alike.”
Mortgage brokers play a key role here: Recommend eco-Landlord to your landlord clients for a seamless, end-to-end EPC upgrade solution — without needing to become retrofit experts yourself. Where upgrades highlight mortgage or refinance needs (e.g., for funding improvements), refer them back to you for tailored lending options based on affordability, criteria, and rates. This strengthens client relationships and positions you as a comprehensive advisor in the energy transition era.
Brokers can register at the eco-Landlord broker portal: www.eco-landlord.com/brokers to get started and receive a referral code.
About eco-Landlord
eco-Landlord is a free service helping landlords improve their properties’ EPC ratings. Developed by the team behind Property Master — the UK’s first digital mortgage broker for landlords — and supported by the Green Home Finance Accelerator project.
