Longawaited clarity has finally begun to emerge for rural landlords navigating the evolving landscape of the Energy Performance of Buildings Regime, but as Partner and Head of Rural Property Management, Rebecca Ruck Keene notes, “the devil is very much in the detail.”
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has now issued a partial response to its consultation, opened on 4 December 2024 and closed on 26 February 2025, offering welcome but incomplete guidance. The full response is due later this year, yet even this initial update carries significant implications for rural property owners.
We spoke with Rebecca about the implications for landowners and rural business owners. According to Rebecca, “Meeting EPC ‘C’ standards by 2030 will be very difficult for many rural landlords, especially those with heritage properties,” and she advises “a realistic and strategic approach to ensuring compliance.”
The past year has brought considerable uncertainty, especially as the Government’s review of Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) raised questions about the future viability of rural and heritage lettings.
Rebecca added: “Rural landlords cannot simply retrofit their way to compliance using solutions suitable for more modern and urban properties. The Government’s growing recognition of the sector’s unique challenges is not only welcome, but also essential.”
Government now acknowledges that rural and older properties face higher upgrade costs and technical constraints. Crucially, the updated guidance confirms that any spend on qualifying energy efficiency improvements from 1 October 2025 will count toward the cost cap, currently set at £10,000 per property.
“This confirmation provides much needed certainty for landlords planning staged investment. It allows them to move forward with confidence rather than waiting in limbo.”
Government has also signalled exemptions for shortterm lets and heritage assets where standard energy improvements could undermine character or viability. “One size simply does not fit all, and policy is finally beginning to reflect that reality.”
The confirmation that EPCs are not currently required for shortterm lets also brings relief, though Rebecca warns this is an “area to watch closely” as further consultation is expected.
The launch of the Warm Homes Plan marks a major milestone, offering targeted grants to support insulation upgrades, heating system improvements and other measures. These financial supports are particularly critical for rural businesses, long hindered by the steep upfront costs of retrofit work.
Yet even with funding, the path is far from simple. “Landlords with properties below a ‘C’ rating will need to invest carefully and strategically. Not all energy efficiency measures are created equal, and not all will ‘count’ under the government’s evolving metrics.”
For heritage landlords, the challenge is even more acute. Many properties are off grid or rely on traditional materials, while others face statutory restrictions. Documenting these constraints will be essential when seeking exemptions or extended compliance timelines.
“This partial response provides clarity, but not certainty. The sector still needs answers and will continue pushing for a proportionate, practical approach that protects both rural livelihoods and our built heritage.”
As landlords await the full Government response later this year, the next steps are clear:
- assess portfolios
- plan investment strategies
- engage early with professional advisers, and
- remain actively involved in the consultation process
“Progress is finally being made,” Rebecca concludes, “but as a sector we must do what we can to ensure that future policy evolution remains grounded in the practical realities facing rural property owners.”