If you’re a landlord in Wigan, there’s a good chance your property is a familiar type. Rows of traditional terraced homes in Scholes, Ince and Pemberton make up a large proportion of the local rental market. These properties have long been popular with tenants thanks to their affordability, location and practicality.
But as we approach 2026, many landlords are feeling uneasy. The introduction of the new “Lettable Standard” and tightening EPC requirements has raised questions around cost, compliance and whether upgrading older homes will really pay off.
At Belvoir Wigan, we’re speaking to landlords who are worried that energy upgrades will eat into their returns. What’s often missing from that conversation is the local data. And that data tells a reassuring story. In Wigan, properties upgraded to EPC C are currently achieving £125 or more per month than comparable, un-upgraded homes.
This blog looks at why that’s happening – and why, in many cases, the real cost lies in doing nothing.
Why Wigan’s Housing Stock Is at the Centre of the EPC Conversation
Wigan’s terraced housing stock was built for a different era. Many homes were constructed long before energy efficiency was a consideration, relying on solid walls, older heating systems and minimal insulation.
Despite this, these properties remain in high demand. They offer good value for tenants and consistent occupancy for landlords. The challenge in 2026 isn’t whether these homes are viable – it’s how they are adapted to meet modern expectations without over-investing.
The good news is that many Wigan terraces can be brought up to EPC C with targeted, manageable improvements.
Understanding the 2026 “Lettable Standard”
The upcoming Lettable Standard is designed to ensure rental homes meet a minimum level of quality and efficiency. While EPC ratings are a key part of this, the standard is about more than compliance alone.
For landlords, this means:
- Properties need to be efficient as well as safe
- Tenants will increasingly expect warmer, cheaper-to-run homes
- Minimum standards will shape market expectations, not just regulations
In practice, this pushes energy efficiency from a background issue to a central one.
What the Wigan Rental Market Is Telling Us
Over the past year, Wigan has seen strong rental growth, particularly for homes that feel comfortable and affordable to run. When we compare upgraded and non-upgraded terraced homes in areas like Scholes and Pemberton, a clear pattern emerges.
Homes that have reached EPC C are achieving rents that are £125 to £150 per month higher than similar properties still sitting at EPC D or below. These homes are also letting faster and experiencing fewer price negotiations.
This isn’t about tenants paying more for a label. It’s about paying more for lower bills, better comfort and peace of mind.
The Cost-to-Rent Ratio: A More Helpful Way to Look at Upgrades
One of the most common concerns landlords raise is upfront cost. Energy upgrades do require investment, but focusing solely on the initial spend can be misleading.
A more helpful approach is the cost-to-rent ratio. In simple terms, this looks at how long it takes for increased rental income to offset the cost of improvements.
In many Wigan terraces, the cost of achieving EPC C can be recovered within a relatively short period when rent uplift is taken into account. After that point, the higher rent becomes an ongoing benefit rather than recovery.
Which Upgrades Deliver the Best Returns in Wigan Terraces
Not all improvements deliver the same value. The strongest returns tend to come from upgrades tenants feel immediately.
Improved loft insulation is often the starting point. Many older terraces have insufficient insulation, and topping this up is usually low cost with noticeable impact on warmth.
Heating systems also play a major role. Modern boilers and updated heating controls improve efficiency and give tenants more control over their energy use. This directly influences how affordable a property feels month to month.
Addressing draughts, improving window performance where possible and upgrading lighting all contribute to better EPC outcomes and tenant experience without major structural work.
Why Tenants Are Willing to Pay More
Tenants in Wigan are increasingly cost-conscious. Rising energy prices have made monthly outgoings just as important as rent itself.
When a property offers:
- Lower heating costs
- Better temperature control
- Reduced damp and condensation
Tenants often see higher rent as justified. In many cases, the overall monthly cost of living is similar or even lower than in a cheaper but inefficient property.
This shift in tenant mindset is a key reason upgraded homes are outperforming the rest of the market.
Faster Lets and Fewer Voids
Higher rent is only part of the story. EPC C homes are also reducing void periods.
Well-presented, energy-efficient properties tend to:
- Generate more enquiries
- Convert viewings into lets more quickly
- Attract tenants who stay longer
Shorter voids protect cashflow and reduce the stress of frequent re-letting. Over time, this stability can be just as valuable as rent increases.
The Hidden Cost of Standing Still
Doing nothing can feel like the safest option, particularly when regulations feel uncertain. In reality, it can be the most expensive choice.
Properties that remain at lower EPC ratings may face:
- Restricted lettability in future
- Increased pressure to upgrade quickly
- Reduced appeal compared to improved homes
As more landlords upgrade, un-improved properties risk falling behind market expectations – making rent growth harder to achieve.
A Staged Approach Makes Upgrading Manageable
Upgrading doesn’t have to happen all at once. Many Wigan landlords are taking a staged approach, spreading improvements over time to manage costs.
Starting with high-impact, low-disruption upgrades allows progress without overwhelming budgets. Each improvement moves the property closer to EPC C while supporting gradual rent increases.
This approach aligns compliance with financial planning rather than forcing rushed decisions.
Why Local Insight Matters in Wigan
National EPC advice often overlooks local realities. Wigan’s terraced housing stock behaves differently from newer builds or city-centre flats.
Understanding which upgrades make sense for properties in Scholes, Ince or Pemberton helps avoid unnecessary spending and focus on what actually improves performance and value.
This local perspective is a key part of effective property management in Wigan.
Looking Ahead to 2026 With Confidence
The message from the Wigan market is clear. Energy efficiency is no longer a cost to absorb – it’s an investment that’s delivering measurable returns.
Landlords who act early are seeing higher rents, stronger tenant demand and reduced regulatory risk. Those who delay may find themselves playing catch-up.
How Belvoir Wigan Can Help
At Belvoir Wigan, we understand that upgrading a property is a financial decision as much as a regulatory one. Our approach to property management in Wigan is built around clear advice, local data and practical planning.
Our free, no-obligation rental and EPC performance review helps you understand how your property compares to others locally, what improvements would make the most sense, and how potential rent increases could offset upgrade costs.Contact us
Because with Belvoir, property is personal – and making the right decisions now can protect both your income and your peace of mind.
