Goodlord’s Rental Index shows average UK rents rising 4.9% over the past year, from £1,507 to £1,581, adding £888 annually for tenants. At the same time, Barclays has called for government action to address barriers to home-energy upgrades, noting that many consumers see efficiency improvements as increasingly important amid high utility costs.
For advisers, AI can help bring together mortgage payments, likely running costs, EPC information and renovation budgets into a more complete affordability conversation. This may be especially valuable for first-time buyers, landlords and clients weighing up a higher-cost but more efficient property. However, estimated energy savings and property data should be clearly labelled as indicative, with clients referred to qualified specialists where technical retrofit or tax advice is needed.