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Energy-Efficient Upgrades: Where Should Landlords Invest?

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What the data reveals about tenant priorities

Research from the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) suggests many tenants place significant value on energy-efficient homes, particularly where improvements help reduce monthly energy bills.

This may influence how landlords prioritise upgrades. While sustainability is important to many tenants, research suggests practical improvements that help reduce monthly energy bills often have the greatest day-to-day appeal.

 

Upgrades that make a difference

For landlords considering where to invest, understanding which improvements tenants value can help prioritise spending. Energy efficiency has become an increasingly important consideration for many renters, particularly following several years of higher household energy costs. While every tenant’s priorities are different, affordability remains a key consideration when choosing a home.

Modern, efficient boilers. Good insulation. Double-glazed windows. Energy-efficient lighting. These reduce bills and prevent expensive breakdowns. Tenants appreciate reliability and predictability in their housing costs.

Improvements should suit the property

Not every energy upgrade is appropriate for every home.

Landlords should consider the age, construction and existing efficiency of a property before investing in improvements. In many cases, relatively straightforward upgrades can deliver greater practical benefit than more expensive technologies that may not be suitable for the building.

Seeking professional advice before undertaking major energy efficiency works can help ensure investment is directed where it will have the greatest impact.

The practical advantage

Investing in practical energy-efficiency improvements may help make a property more attractive to prospective tenants and could contribute to reduced void periods where demand is strong.

For many tenants, environmental considerations and affordability go hand in hand. Homes that are comfortable, economical to run and well maintained can appeal to a wide range of prospective tenants.

For landlords, investing in practical improvements may help make a property more attractive while supporting longer-term value and tenant satisfaction.

 

Thinking about improving your rental property? Our experienced lettings team can help you understand which improvements are likely to add value and appeal to today’s tenants. Get in touch to arrange a free rental valuation.

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Date Posted

July 13, 2026

Article Category

Author

Fiona Clougher

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