Is the PRS moving away from sustainability?

As Rishi Sunak recently scrapped the long-discussed proposals to increase the minimum EPC rating for domestic rental properties, many landlords may be tempted to put energy efficiency upgrades for their rentals on the back burner—leaving tenants to deal with the expensive aftermath.

With the PRS seemingly taking a step backwards on the journey to sustainability, is this just a bump in the road, or a sign of things to come? We set out to find the answer to this question, together with five industry experts, and highlight what is needed to get landlords to embrace and drive the green agenda.

Although the government has chosen to take a more relaxed approach to sustainability in the PRS, specialist finance lenders are still here to provide finance to support landlords keen to continue upgrading their properties. We take a look at the latest green BTL products available in the market, and talk exclusively with Redwood Bank about its recently launched green cashback offer and the reasons behind its creation. Plus, Leaders Romans Group’s director for property management shares some insights about why making rental homes more energy efficient is a wise investment.

The road to sustainability will be long and hard for sure. However, with the climate change threat looming over the UK and the entire world, it is a journey that we must take—something many BTL industry experts agree on. How the PRS will eventually reach the sustainability panacea, only time will tell.