Beyond loft insulation: Where landlords should really start with retrofit

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Retrofitting is no longer just a buzzword. With rising energy bills and an expected increase to Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES), it’s becoming essential for landlords to improve the energy performance of their properties. 

Many landlords begin with quick wins like loft insulation, but on their own, these one-off measures can fall short. Taking a more strategic, whole house retrofit approach pays off - not only in compliance terms, but also in returns.  

Improving a home’s EPC rating can increase its value by up to 20%, boost rental income by as much as 10%, and reduce tenant energy bills by up to 40%, which in turn helps improve tenant retention. 

So, where should you start?  

The answer lies in joined-up thinking, data-informed planning, and taking a whole property or portfolio-level view. 

However large your property portfolio, retrofitting can feel like a complex task, and identifying where to start, managing costs, and coordinating works without disrupting tenants is undoubtedly overwhelming.  

Equally, replacing a boiler one year and installing new windows the next may feel like progress, but done without a clear plan, this fragmented approach can be counterproductive. Fitting a new heating system, for example, before insulating can result in an overpowered (and overpriced) boiler. Likewise, upgrading glazing without ventilation planning can lead to poor air quality or mould. 

Retrofitting isn’t about individual works or adding technology - it’s about undertaking a full assessment, understanding how improvements interact, and sequencing them properly for best results. The kitemark for retrofit in the UK is PAS2035 – seek advice from a duly accredited Retrofit Assessor working to PAS2035 standard. This approach allows landlords to compare scenarios, access funding opportunities, and evaluate upgrades in terms of both energy savings and asset value.  

Whether you own three properties or 3,000, here are some signs that your stock may need deeper energy upgrades: 

• EPC ratings of D or below (the government has announced it intends to raise the minimum for private lets to EPC C by 2030) 

• Persistent damp or mould despite ventilation 

• High tenant energy bills or complaints about comfort 

• Single-glazed windows or visibly uninsulated floors/walls 

• Regular reports of draughts or condensation 

If any of these issues sound familiar, a one-off fix is unlikely to solve the problem. 

We’re currently short of around 500,000 skilled tradespeople and installers ,and that gap is only expected to grow as demand increases. For landlords, this means two things: retrofit costs are likely to rise, and available contractors may become harder to secure. 

That’s why it pays to act now, while more than £1 billion in government funding is still available for energy efficiency upgrades, much of which is open to the private rental sector. 

Some current schemes landlords should be aware of include: 

• Warm Homes Local Grant (WHLG) – Available in certain post codes, WHLG provides up to £15,000 in funding for low-income properties in England. Private landlords can apply on behalf of eligible tenants to install insulation, low-carbon heating, and other measures. 

• Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) – Energy suppliers fund retrofit measures for low-income and vulnerable households. Landlords with qualifying tenants may be able to access free or subsidised upgrades such as insulation, boiler replacements, and heat pumps. 

• Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) – Offers grants of £7,500 towards the cost of replacing fossil fuel heating systems with low-carbon alternatives, such as air or ground source heat pumps. Private landlords are eligible, provided the property has a valid EPC and no outstanding insulation recommendations. 

By moving early, landlords can maximise their chances of securing funding before grant pots are depleted and before stricter EPC requirements become mandatory. Acting now allows you to access financial support while the government is still offering the carrot, not just the stick. 

Begin with insulation and airtightness; the areas where the most energy is typically lost. Prioritise improvements such as: 

• Loft, floor, and wall insulation 

• Draught-proofing and airtightness measures 

• Upgraded glazing 

• Smarter temperature controls 

• Energy-efficient lighting (e.g. LEDs) 

Once the building is better sealed and retains heat more effectively, you can move on to upgrading the heating system and introducing renewable technologies like heat pumps or solar panels. 

This sequencing helps avoid doing things back to front.  Starting with the fabric ensures you get the maximum benefit from any future system upgrades. 

Retrofit works often uncover unexpected issues, such as hidden damp, rotten joists, or outdated wiring. That’s why it's essential to build in a contingency of around 20–30% to manage these risks. A realistic budget avoids delays, protects your investment, and helps keep projects on track. 

Using digital planning tools allows you to model retrofit outcomes before committing to surveys or work.  For example, Domna's modelling software allows landlords to: 

• Compare upgrade pathways based on property type or EPC goals 

• Assess potential uplift in property value 

• Explore funding eligibility 

• Centralise property data for better decision-making 

This kind of data-informed planning makes retrofit more efficient and reduces the risk of wasted spend. 

Working with a professional retrofit company will reduce costs, improve quality, and help avoid common pitfalls. At Domna, we manage the retrofit journey from assessment to installation, ensuring quality work that makes sense for your portfolio. Services we provide include: 

• Remote portfolio assessment – using advanced modelling software, to assess your portfolio in minutes, with zero disruption 

• An onsite PAS 2035-compliant survey, followed by retrofit coordination and retrofit design, conducted by certified professionals  

• Help navigating government grants and funding, whilst connecting you to lenders to secure blended funding if required 

• Assigning a certified installer, removing the time-consuming tendering process, and overseeing their works 

• Project management and sign-off, overseeing works from start to finish and providing support with reporting and EPC certification 

Retrofit shouldn't be DIY job, and a trusted partner will help you deliver long-term results that make sense financially and environmentally. 

Retrofit isn’t just about regulation - it’s a chance to boost tenant satisfaction, reduce running costs, and increase the value of your properties. Now is the time to get ahead, before demand peaks, costs rise, and compliance deadlines close in. 

To learn more or to explore what retrofit could look like for your portfolio, visit www.domna.homes  

Book your energy efficient assessment today

We're offering NRLA members 67% off our remote assessment, using our exclusive retrofit software to scope your portfolio and assess your energy efficiency needs in minutes. 

Your report will include: 

• Your EPC upgrade options
• An estimated cost
• Estimated decrease in energy consumption & CO2 emissions
• Expected increase on valuation

To book your retrofit assessment please click below.