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

The UK Government has introduced its Energy Independence Bill, which plans to strengthen enforcement of energy efficiency standards in rented properties, establish a new Warm Homes Agency and reduce energy costs. While the proposals aim to improve homes and protect tenants, Propertymark continues to campaign for realistic requirements and financial support to help landlords meet their obligations.

Tenants and leaseholders in England could gain a clearer route to installing electric vehicle (EV) charge points under ‘ability to charge’ proposals, which aim to make permissions quicker and more consistent. A new UK Government consultation focuses on homes with off-street parking, including rented, leasehold, and shared ownership properties.

This report highlights continued economic uncertainty across the commercial property sector, with expectations of steady industrial demand, increased supply of pubs and restaurants, and varying sentiment around capital values and investment yields.

Housing was firmly at the centre of this year's political conference season, with the major parties setting out competing visions for home ownership, renting, planning reform and economic growth. While Labour's position as the party of government meant it made announcements with the most immediate implications, conferences across the political spectrum provided important insight into how housing policy may evolve in the coming years.