Energy Efficiency Improvements Across England’s Housing Stock

The English Housing Survey 2024 highlights a notable rise in the energy efficiency of homes in England over the past decade. The proportion of dwellings rated in the highest energy bands A to C has more than doubled, increasing from 26% in 2014 to 56% in 2024. Concurrently, the share of homes in the lowest bands E to G has fallen from 23% to 9%, reflecting a steady shift towards better performing properties.

Particularly striking is the decline in band D properties, which dropped from 43% in 2022 to 35% in 2024, while band C homes increased from 45% to 52%. This trend indicates that many homes are moving up the energy efficiency scale, aided by measures such as insulation and double glazing.

Damp and Mould Remain a Concern in the Private Rented Sector

Despite these improvements, the survey reveals that damp and mould continue to affect a significant number of homes. In 2024, approximately 1.4 million dwellings (5%) reported issues with damp, with the private rented sector disproportionately affected. Ten per cent of private rented homes experienced damp problems, compared to 4% of owner-occupied and 7% of social rented properties.

Additionally, 4 million dwellings (15%) failed to meet the Decent Homes Standard in 2024, a figure that has remained stable since 2022. The presence of Category 1 hazards under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) was recorded in 9% of homes, consistent with previous years. Both private rented and owner-occupied sectors showed similar hazard rates (9–10%), although owner-occupied dwellings have seen a relative increase in hazards compared to two years prior.

Implications for Landlords and the Need for Practical Support

Nathan Emerson, CEO of Propertymark, acknowledges the progress made but stresses the importance of government support for landlords. He states: “The latest English Housing Survey findings highlight both encouraging progress and persistent challenges in the quality and energy performance of England’s housing stock. It is positive to see long-term improvements in energy efficiency, with over half of homes now rated in the higher A-C energy bands and increasing uptake of insulation and double glazing. These trends will help cut bills and reduce carbon emissions, which are outcomes the property sector has long supported.”

Emerson also emphasises the ongoing issues: “Millions of homes continue to fall short of decent living conditions, with dampness, hazards, and overcrowding affecting significant numbers of households across tenures. Propertymark continues to support measures that drive improvements in housing quality and energy performance, but this must be paired with practical support for landlords and homeowners to make necessary upgrades. Clear guidance, targeted financial support, and sensible implementation timelines will be essential if we are to bring all homes up to modern standards without placing undue strain on households and the housing market.”

Financial Considerations for EPC C Compliance

The survey estimates the average cost to upgrade a private rented property to an EPC C rating at £7,040 in 2024. With over two million private rented homes requiring such improvements, Octane Capital projects the total refurbishment bill could approach £20 billion. This substantial financial burden underscores the importance of practical support and clear guidance for landlords to meet the 2030 EPC C target.

What This Means for UK Landlords

Landlords in the private rented sector face a dual challenge: continuing to improve energy efficiency while addressing persistent damp and mould issues. The improvements in energy ratings are encouraging, but the prevalence of damp highlights the need for ongoing maintenance and investment in property conditions. With the government’s 2030 EPC C deadline approaching, landlords must prepare for potentially significant refurbishment costs and seek available support to ensure compliance without compromising tenant wellbeing.