As the UK government ramps up efforts to improve the energy performance of homes, landlords are under increasing pressure to upgrade their properties. At Westville Group, we specialise in energy efficient retrofitting—and we’re ready to help landlords meet this challenge head-on with solutions including insulation, solar panels, and low-carbon heat pumps.
The government has announced plans to train 18,000 new retrofit professionals through the extension of the Heat Training Grant and the launch of the Warm Homes Skills Programme, which will subsidise training for up to 9,000 installers. This is a positive step, but many in the industry—including the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA)—warn that the scale of the task far exceeds the current capacity of the retrofit workforce.
An Urgent Need for Skilled Retrofit Professionals
The proposed legislation requires all rental homes to have a minimum Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of C by 2030, with new tenancies expected to comply even earlier, by 2028. But with around 2.5 million privately rented homes in need of upgrades and a shortfall of 166,000 skilled tradespeople, the NRLA has called the government’s current timeline a “pipedream.”
To meet the proposed targets, an estimated 5,000 homes would need to be upgraded every day between now and 2030. The Heat Pump Association has also highlighted the need for at least 22,700 more full-time heat pump installers alone.
Westville Group: Your Partner in Energy Efficient Retrofitting
At Westville Group, we understand how overwhelming these demands can be for landlords. That’s why we offer end-to-end energy efficient retrofitting services tailored to the unique requirements of each property. With over 30 years of industry experience, we provide:
- Expert advice and EPC assessments
- Professional installation of insulation, solar panels, and heat pumps
- Full project management from start to finish
- Support with accessing grants and funding schemes
Our skilled team is already trained in the latest technologies, so we’re ready to help landlords make immediate progress toward their energy efficiency goals. Whether you’re looking to upgrade a single property or a full portfolio, our retrofit solutions are scalable, compliant, and cost-effective.
Navigating Government Incentives and Grant Schemes
In addition to existing schemes, the government is also consulting on expanding the Boiler Upgrade Scheme to include air-to-air heat pumps and electric heating technologies such as heat batteries. These technologies could offer landlords more choice when planning their retrofit strategies.
As a forward-thinking company, Westville Group is ready to adapt our services to include these innovations as soon as they become eligible for support. We also guide landlords through the complexities of applying for funding, helping to make energy efficient retrofitting as affordable and accessible as possible.
A Realistic Path Forward for Landlords
Ben Beadle, Chief Executive of the NRLA, has welcomed the government’s focus on training but insists that more support is needed for landlords, especially in the form of financial aid. At Westville Group, we echo this call, but we also offer landlords real, practical solutions today.
We believe that while the challenge is substantial, it is not impossible. With the right expertise, planning, and support, landlords can achieve full compliance, enhance property value, and reduce long-term energy costs through energy efficient retrofitting.
Take the Next Step with Westville
Don’t wait until the deadline is looming. If you’re a landlord looking to future-proof your property and meet EPC regulations, then email [email protected] or fill out the form on our website and one of our team members will get back to you as soon as possible.