Paragon Bank has enhanced mortgage offerings for landlords purchasing new build homes with good EPC ratings, allowing for longer validity of mortgage offers and reducing costs associated with property inspections. This move is expected to drive demand for energy-efficient properties in the private rented sector.

The UK government has announced that all rented homes must comply with a revised Decent Homes Standard by 2035, impacting private landlords significantly as they face overlapping compliance challenges with energy efficiency regulations.

Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook has refrained from clarifying whether landlords can recoup costs associated with Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) upgrades, raising concerns among landlords about rent increases under the Renters' Rights Act.