Letting agents could benefit from regulatory changes like the Warm Homes plan, as it’s becoming harder for DIY landlords to cope with the burden.
That’s according to Ian Macbeth, managing partner of brokerage Avocado Property.
Macbeth said: “When you combine EPC changes with the abolition of Section 21 and a possession regime that depends entirely on evidence and process, self-management becomes far more fragile.
“For years, agents have been competing with DIY platforms on price.
“That was always a difficult battle. What’s changing now is that risk is moving decisively back into the conversation.”
The Warm Homes Plan includes a £15 billion commitment to upgrade up to five million properties by 2030, with measures such as a £7,500 heat pump grant, incentives for solar panels and government-backed loans for energy efficiency improvements.
While framed around reducing household energy bills and fuel poverty, the government has made clear that landlords will be expected to play a central role in delivering warmer, more efficient rental homes.
Alongside this, EPC reform is intended to modernise how energy performance is measured and reported, with consultations pointing to changes in calculations, presentation and update frequency.
These reforms sit within wider ambitions to raise minimum standards across the private rented sector and follow years of discussion around tougher energy efficiency requirements for rental properties.
Macbeth added: “Agents who can demonstrate that compliance is built into their model, not bolted on, are in a strong position.
“The next 12 months are a chance for letting agents to reset how they present their value, particularly to landlords who have been managing properties themselves.”