FAQs: Non-domestic private rented property: minimum energy efficiency standards for commercial property

For over two million non-domestic properties across England, new rateable values have come into effect from 1 April 2026, marking the start of the latest three-year business rates cycle that will run until March 2029 and is expected to have significant implications for commercial property agents, landlords, and tenants navigating changing market conditions.

Propertymark welcomes the tougher standards from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), which place stricter responsibilities on energy suppliers to fix faulty meters, improving reliability for households and supporting smoother tenancy management.

The UK Government has published its partial response to the consultation on reforms to the Energy Performance of Buildings regime, confirming a significant overhaul of Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) in England and Wales. Once implemented, domestic EPCs will move to four new headline metrics, whilst non-domestic EPCs will continue to use the existing Environmental Impact Rating. Importantly, certificates will still be valid for 10 years under the new regime.

Latest insights reveal the sector is showing growing resilience, with easing inflation, a lower base rate, and rising rents helping to rebuild confidence despite ongoing structural challenges. Shifting consumer behaviour, targeted regeneration, and smarter use of data and technology are set to define the next phase of commercial property growth.