Search Properties

  Try our Property Draw Search

Free Valuation

Take advantage of a free no obligation valuation.

Register With Us

Want to keep up to date with properties you might be interested in? Register with us to receive regular property updates

Mortgages

We have a dedicated financial team in to assist with any mortgage advice you may need! Click here for more details.

The UK rental market is set to see changes in energy efficiency regulations, but not in the way initially expected. The previous Conservative government had planned to enforce stricter Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) requirements by 2025, requiring all newly rented properties to have a minimum EPC rating of C. However, these plans were scrapped in September 2023 due to concerns that landlords would face excessive financial burdens to meet the short deadline.  

Understanding the EPC changes 

In September 2023, the Conservative government abandoned the proposal to enforce EPC upgrades by 2025. The decision was made due to concerns that landlords would be required to undertake costly energy efficiency improvements within a short time frame. 

The Energy Secretary has since pledged to take action to address past shortcomings in energy efficiency regulations and has committed to consulting on new measures by the end of the year. The revised proposal will focus on improving energy efficiency standards across both private and social rented properties by 2030. 

As it stands: 

  • Private rented homes can still be legally let if they meet the current EPC rating of E. 
  • Social rented homes currently have no minimum energy efficiency requirements. 
  • The government will consult on new regulations to bring private and social rented homes up to an EPC rating of C or equivalent by 2030. 

 How these changes affect landlords 

  1. No immediate mandatory upgrades: Landlords are not required to make EPC upgrades by 2025, as the original plan was scrapped. 
  2. Possible future regulations by 2030: The government is expected to introduce revised regulations, likely requiring rental properties to meet EPC rating C by 2030. 
  3. Longer time to prepare: While landlords now have more time, it is advisable to plan for future changes to avoid last-minute expenses. 
  4. Energy-efficient homes remain attractive: Despite the lack of immediate requirements, properties with higher energy efficiency will continue to attract tenants and could justify higher rental prices. 

Steps landlords should take now 

  1. Review your EPC rating: Check your current certificate to understand where your property stands. 
  2. Plan for future improvements: Consider cost-effective upgrades such as better insulation, LED lighting, and energy-efficient heating systems. 
  3. Budget for gradual upgrades: With a longer timeline, landlords can set aside funds to improve their properties without financial strain. 
  4. Stay informed on upcoming regulations: The government’s consultation process will provide more clarity on future requirements, so staying updated is essential. 
  5. Consider financing options: Explore potential government schemes or green financing that may become available as part of the new regulations. 

What happens if landlords do not comply in the future? 

While there are no new fines or restrictions in place for 2025, the anticipated 2030 regulations may introduce penalties for landlords who do not upgrade their properties. Failure to comply could result in restrictions on letting properties and possible financial consequences. 

Final thoughts 

Although the proposed 2025 EPC upgrades have been scrapped, landlords should still prepare for potential changes in the coming years. Upgrading energy efficiency now can enhance property value, attract tenants, and ensure compliance with future regulations.

 

If you are a landlord looking for expert guidance on managed lettings services or a tenant searching for a property to rent, contact us today 

Latest Properties

Bottle Kiln Rise, Wakefield

£285,000

3    2    3   

Situated in Wakefield is this THREE bedroom semi detached property benefitting from AMPLE reception space and off road PARKING. VIEWING ESSENTIAL. EPC rating B83.

Cross Queen Street, Normanton

£725 PCM

2    1    1   

UnfurnishedA well-presented two bedroom terrace property handily placed for access to Normanton town centre. Normanton train station is a short distance away with regular services to Leeds and the M62 motorway is also approximately a 5 minute drive.

Byram Park Road, Byram, Knottingley

OIEO £195,000

3    1    1   

THREE bedroom semi detached property in Byram benefitting from MODERN fitted kitchen, LAWNED enclosed rear garden & DRIVEWAY. VIEWING ESSENTIAL. Awaiting EPC rating.

Gentian Court, Wakefield

£1,150 PCM

3    1    1   

UnfurnishedLocated on this modern and attractive development in a popular area is this well presented semi-detached house, which benefits from three good size bedrooms, spacious living room and a conservatory, off road parking, UPVC double glazing and gas central heating.

What Our Customers Say...

I have recently purchased a property through Richard Kendall Estate Agent. The service was excellent from Emily Dunbar. She chased solicitors for me and constantly kept me updated with the progress. Emily is a credit to Richard Kendall's. Thanks Emily for everything. Adele 10/12/2025
Donna and Joanne were superb at helping and supporting me through quite a difficult sale. Communication and follow up was excellent and everything was dealt with in a friendly and professional manner I would certainly recommend Richard Kendall to all my friends and family. Jill 10/12/2025
We have used Richard Kendall for many years so when deciding to sell our loved property due to heath issues this was the company we straight away contacted initially David at the Wakefield Office and then we were luckily put with senior consultant Karen Marijewko. Karen was so thoughtful and kind she knew about our health problems and went out of her way to guide us through the process of selling and buying .She is a senior property consultant and really deserves that title . If we ever have to move again I would definitely ask for Karen and would advise family and friends to do the same. Judith 10/12/2025
I had a great experience with Elizabeth Cooke from Richard Kendall for the sale of my property. She kept me informed throughout the entire process and was always proactive in chasing things up and staying in regular contact. Her communication was clear, consistent, and always reassuring, which made everything feel easier and less stressful. Liz’s professionalism, friendliness, and dedication was outstanding. I’m so grateful for all her hard work in getting my property sold. Would highly recommend her to anyone looking for a friendly, professional, reliable and supportive estate agent Liz 10/12/2025
Really pleased with all the staff, especially Leah, they kept me up to date throughout the whole process of buying our house, it was easy to get hold of them and on the rare occasion I couldn’t they responded back very quickly cracking estate agents. Graham 10/12/2025
We recently sold a relative's home through Richard Kendall and the service was excellent. The team and in particular our main contact Mandy at the Ossett office kept us informed and updated throughout, explaining where we were at every stage of the process. A professional yet personal service and we would recommend Richard Kendall to anyone thinking of buying or selling a home. Nigel 10/12/2025
Would highly recommend Richard Kendall, this was the second time I’ve used them for selling a house. Amber in the Pontefract office dealt with my sale and she was really helpful, friendly, professional and kept me up-to-date with everything going on with the sale and the wider chain. Thank you! Chris 10/12/2025
Amazing service from Catherine and Shireen at the Wakefield City Branch. They have made the process of moving house so smooth and always kept us up to date with any progress. Can't recommend them enough! Gemma 10/12/2025
We were selling my mum and dad’s house and was an emotional time for me and my sister. Sarah at the Normanton branch dealt with the sale from start to finish. I cannot recommend Sarah enough and she is a credit to Richard Kendall. She kept us informed all the way through and answered any questions we had. She was professional and friendly and made what was a sad time selling the family home easier. The sale was quick and seamless due to Sarah. Thank you Richard Kendall’s, I would recommend them to anyone selling their property Claire 10/12/2025

Get Social

Facebook

Check out our Facebook page to be the first to hear about property news and our latest properties

Tik Tok

Follow us on Tik Tok for the latest photo and video content

Instagram

Follow us on Instagram for the latest photo and video content

YouTube

View our latest property tours and videos

Get in Touch

If you are looking to buy, sell or let a property in Wakefield and surrounding areas or would like a FREE property valuation, contact us via the details below and a member of our team will be in touch.



* Required field

Please read our privacy notice for information on how we use your details.

rightmovenaeatpoTSI-ACarlazoopla
?>