A new analysis from Rightmove indicates that although rental housing stock is, on average, more energy efficient than homes in the resale market, looming tougher standards have failed to spur faster upgrades.

The policy drive launched in 2020 — which set a minimum EPC rating of E for rented properties and signalled a future requirement of C — has not translated into sustained progress. Over the past five years, the pace of improvement has slowed markedly.

It concludes that short-term initiatives and proposals alone are insufficient to overcome the financial and practical hurdles landlords face. Energy efficiency gains have almost halved compared with the previous five-year period, across both rental and resale sectors.

Rightmove’s fourth annual Greener Homes Report underscores the growing appeal of eco-friendly properties for those able to invest, with sustainability increasingly marketed as a selling point.

Mentions of green technology in listings are rising fast: references to heat pumps are up 46% year-on-year, while solar panels have climbed 37%. 

The financial benefits are stark — homes rated EPC A carry average annual energy bills of just £571, compared with £6,368 for properties rated EPC G.

Cost savings remain the strongest driver, with 83% of respondents citing lower bills as their main motivation. Environmental concerns also play a role, with 42% motivated by reducing their carbon footprint. 

Beyond that, 58% say upgrades improve quality of life, 30% believe they add property value, and 19% feel green technology makes their home more attractive to buyers.

Yet barriers persist despite government grants, 63% of households have no plans to make upgrades in the next year, and only 11% are actively pursuing grants. The findings suggest that while the benefits are clear, financial incentives alone are not enough to drive widespread adoption.

A property expert at Rightmove, adds: “For landlords, the challenge is balancing compliance with cost and potential value appreciation, and for renters, it’s about finding homes that deliver real savings. Energy efficiency isn’t just good for the planet, it’s good for the pocket too, and making it easier to achieve will be key to unlocking faster change.”

Now in its fourth year, Rightmove’s Greener Homes Report draws on a vast dataset with more than 17 million EPC certificates and nearly 30 million property listings which is also supplemented by survey responses from over 1,200 UK consumers.