"In a market where competition is fierce, and tenants have choices, going green is the edge that can make the difference. Those who adapt will thrive; those who don’t risk being left behind"
- James Sproule - Handelsbanken
According to new research from Handelsbanken’s Property Investor Report 2025, an overwhelming 92% of UK property investors believe tenants are willing to pay more for greener homes and commercial premises, with 77% reporting a surge in demand for sustainable features like heat pumps, solar panels, and electric vehicle charging points.
In a property market shaped by economic headwinds, evolving regulations, and shifting consumer expectations, sustainability has become more than a buzzword; it’s a business strategy. The report, based on a survey of 200 large portfolio professional landlords and property investors across the UK, reveals how tenants’ priorities are reshaping the rental landscape, offering landlords a clear opportunity to future-proof their portfolios.
“We’ve seen landlords’ thinking mature over recent years in response to clear market signals," explained Richard Winder, head of sustainability at Handelsbanken plc. "Investing in sustainable features offers a rare opportunity to woo good tenants, grow revenues and preserve tomorrow’s financial value while cutting long-term operating costs. As regulations tighten and our worsening climate moves centre stage, the clamour for more sustainable and resilient buildings will only grow.”
The report’s findings come at a time of mixed signals for the property sector. While geopolitical tensions, inflation, and regulatory shifts, like EPC reforms and the Renters’ Rights Bill, pose challenges, investor sentiment remains remarkably resilient. Other findings include:
-54% of property investors plan to expand their portfolios over the next 12 months
-80% expect their portfolio values to rise despite market uncertainty
-36% say proposed EPC reforms make them more positive about the market, while 56% see no negative impact
This resilience is underpinned by a growing recognition that sustainability sells. The report reveals that in tenant conversations, requests for green features are no longer niche:
-77% of landlords report tenant interest in heat pumps, solar generation, and other sustainability upgrades
-57% say tenants are asking for EV charging points
-47% cite demand for higher Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings (C or above)
“Sustainable properties aren’t just good for the planet, they’re good for business," comments James Sproule, UK Chief Economist at Handelsbanken, adding, "In a market where competition is fierce, and tenants have choices, going green is the edge that can make the difference. Those who adapt will thrive; those who don’t risk being left behind.”
This shift in tenant priorities comes as many large corporates are rethinking their sustainability targets, caught between rising costs and uncertain market conditions. Yet the Handelsbanken Property Investor Report 2025 suggests that, for property investors, the opposite is true: sustainability is a growth opportunity.
Sproule concluded, “For years, green standards were seen as a regulatory headache. However, our research shows that investors increasingly see them as an opportunity to add value. The message is clear: if you’re investing in property, sustainability isn’t optional anymore, it’s essential.”
