Historic villages owned by the National Trust face mounting uncertainty as Labour’s net zero plans threaten to leave hundreds of rental homes empty or unviable. Under proposed rules, landlords must ensure properties achieve an Energy Performance Certificate rating of C by 2030 or face being unable to let them. Heritage experts warn the policy could have severe unintended consequences for older buildings.
Many properties in traditional villages such as Pamphill and Shapwick in Dorset are centuries old, built using cob, timber and thatch. These features make it difficult, and in some cases impossible, to upgrade to modern insulation and heating standards without altering their historic character. The National Trust, which rents out around 2,500 properties across England, is among those most affected.
Andy Beer, the Trust’s chief operating officer, said the organisation supports improving energy efficiency in principle but warned that applying modern standards to historic homes presents major challenges. Insulation, heating systems and space constraints can make compliance particularly difficult in smaller, listed cottages. In Shapwick, several properties are currently standing empty while awaiting upgrades to meet even the existing minimum standard.
Heating systems such as oil, commonly used in rural homes, often score poorly in EPC assessments, while planning restrictions can limit changes such as double glazing. According to reports, one cottage was sold after upgrade costs were estimated at £100,000, far exceeding the £10,000 cap typically required for compliance. In another case, a large farmhouse could cost up to £1 million to bring up to standard before it can be rented again.
A Department for Energy Security and Net Zero spokesman said: “We stand by the principle that every renter has the right to a decent, safe and affordable home – and almost half of privately rented homes already meet the standards. We have carefully listened throughout the policy process and have built-in protections, including a strict cost-cap and new and expanded exemptions.”
