Air conditioning searches double on Rightmove amid hotter summers
Searches for properties with air conditioning on Rightmove have risen by 104% this summer compared to last year, reflecting growing tenant and buyer demand for homes that stay cool during heatwaves.
Rightmove’s recent survey of over 1,000 adults reveals that just 11% of people feel their current home remains very comfortable during hot weather, while 45% say their property struggles to keep cool. This discomfort is influencing housing preferences, with 87% of respondents stating that a home’s ability to stay cool is an important factor when choosing their next property.
The survey also highlights the practical steps households are taking to cope with rising temperatures. More than half have added blinds, curtains, or window films, and nearly half have installed fans. Improvements to insulation and external shading are also common, while 61% would consider installing air conditioning, though only 12% have done so so far.
Rising demand for air conditioning reflects climate impact on rental market
Rightmove’s data signals a clear shift in tenant and buyer priorities linked to climate change and increasingly frequent heatwaves. The doubling of air conditioning searches on the UK’s largest property portal indicates that comfort during hot weather is becoming a key consideration in housing decisions.
For landlords and letting agents, this trend has several implications. Properties equipped with air conditioning or other cooling measures may become more attractive and command higher demand. Conversely, homes lacking adequate cooling could face longer void periods or pressure to reduce rents.
Many landlords have traditionally focused on energy efficiency and heating standards, but the growing importance of summer comfort adds a new dimension to property maintenance and investment decisions. Installing air conditioning units or enhancing shading and ventilation could become worthwhile upgrades to meet tenant expectations and maintain competitiveness.
Practical challenges and opportunities for landlords and agents
While air conditioning offers clear benefits for tenant comfort, landlords must consider installation costs, ongoing energy use, and compliance with safety and environmental regulations. Retrofitting older properties can be complex, especially in conservation areas or listed buildings where external alterations are restricted.
Agents advising landlords should be aware of the rising tenant demand for cooling solutions and help landlords assess the feasibility and potential return on investment of such improvements. Marketing properties with air conditioning or effective cooling features may also attract a broader tenant pool, particularly in regions prone to hotter summers.
Other cooling measures like external shading, improved insulation, and ventilation upgrades can be more cost-effective and may also contribute to energy efficiency, aligning with broader decarbonisation goals. Landlords should balance comfort improvements with sustainability considerations and keep abreast of evolving regulations affecting property standards.
Uncertainties remain around regulatory responses and tenant expectations
The UK government has yet to introduce specific regulations mandating cooling measures in private rented housing, unlike minimum heating standards. However, as climate change impacts intensify, regulatory focus could expand to include summer comfort and overheating prevention.
Landlords face uncertainty about future legal requirements and potential enforcement related to overheating risks. The private rented sector may see increased scrutiny over property standards that affect health and wellbeing during heatwaves. Monitoring government consultations and guidance will be essential for landlords and agents to remain compliant and responsive.
Tenant expectations are also evolving, with a growing awareness of the health risks posed by overheating. This may lead to stronger demands for air conditioning or other cooling solutions, influencing tenancy agreements and negotiations. Landlords will need to consider how to manage these expectations fairly and sustainably.
What landlords should consider now regarding cooling in rental properties
- Review current properties to assess overheating risks and tenant feedback on summer comfort.
- Explore cost-effective cooling options such as blinds, shading, ventilation improvements, and fans as initial steps.
- Evaluate the feasibility and cost implications of installing air conditioning, including energy efficiency and maintenance.
- Stay informed about any emerging regulations or guidance on overheating and summer comfort in the private rented sector.
- Communicate openly with tenants about cooling measures and consider incorporating relevant clauses in tenancy agreements.
- Consider marketing properties with cooling features to meet rising tenant demand and differentiate listings.
Supporting landlords with compliance and property management
The Landlord Association (TLA) offers resources to help members manage the increasing importance of summer comfort in rental properties. TLA’s compliance materials include guidance on property standards and safety obligations relevant to cooling installations.
Members can also access TLA’s new property management and compliance platform, ORBIT, currently in BETA testing. ORBIT is designed to assist landlords and letting agents in organising property records, managing rental documentation, and recording key actions such as repairs, inspections, and communications related to property improvements including cooling measures.
Exploring TLA membership and ORBIT BETA access can provide practical support for landlords preparing their portfolios for evolving tenant expectations and regulatory developments concerning overheating and air conditioning.
As hotter summers become more frequent, landlords who proactively address cooling needs will be better positioned to attract and retain tenants while ensuring compliance with emerging standards.
Sources: Letting Agent Today
TLA - The Landlord Association