Energy efficiency matters in rented homes because each UK nation sets its own rules on the energy performance of let properties, and those rules are being updated. A heat pump can change a property's Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating, though the effect depends on insulation, the existing heating and how the assessment is modelled. Check the current standards for your nation with your agent or official guidance; we provide the system details an EPC assessor needs.
Terraced rental homes in Devon often have small yards, so outdoor unit siting is checked carefully at survey. Shared houses in Devon usually need larger hot water storage to cope with busy mornings. Landlords in Devon can arrange annual servicing around tenancy changes and inspection visits.
Who it suits
- Landlords who want to remove gas appliances from a property
- Portfolio landlords planning upgrades across several properties
- Properties between tenancies, when access and disruption are easier to manage
- HMOs with high hot water demand that need careful cylinder sizing
Grants and rules for heat pumps in England
In England the Boiler Upgrade Scheme gives £7,500 towards an air source heat pump (£9,000 if it replaces oil or LPG, from 21 July 2026 to 31 March 2027), and since 28 April 2026 a valid EPC is no longer needed. The grant is applied for by the MCS-certified installer and shown as a deduction on your quote.
Installing heat pumps is zero-rated for VAT across the UK until 31 March 2027. Since 29 May 2025, permitted development in England allows up to two air source heat pumps on a house, each up to 1.5 m³, with no blanket 1 m boundary rule — the installation must still meet the MCS planning standards, including the noise check. Listed buildings, flats and some conservation-area positions need extra consent, which we check at survey.
Heat pumps for landlords prices in Devon
The ranges below are typical installed prices for homes in Devon, including VAT. A survey sets the exact figure, because two similar-looking houses in Devon can need quite different radiators and pipework.
| Home | Typical size | Installed guide price | After £7,500 grant |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1–2 bedroom flat or small terrace | 4–5 kW | £9,600–£12,650 | £2,100–£5,150 |
| 2–3 bedroom terrace or semi | 5–7 kW | £10,600–£13,650 | £3,100–£6,150 |
| 3 bedroom semi or small detached | 6–9 kW | £12,100–£15,650 | £4,600–£8,150 |
| 4 bedroom detached | 8–12 kW | £14,150–£18,200 | £6,650–£10,700 |
| 5+ bedroom or larger older house | 11–16 kW | £16,650–£22,750 | £9,150–£15,250 |
Installed, inc VAT: unit, cylinder, controls, minor pipework and commissioning.
Towns we cover in Devon
We cover 18 towns in Devon for landlords and let properties. Each links to local guide prices and the grant position for England.
| Town | Postcode district | Nearest town | Midwinter daylight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plymouth | PL1 | Saltash | 8 h 01 min |
| Exeter | EX4 | Crediton | 7 h 57 min |
| Paignton | TQ3 | Torquay | 8 h 00 min |
| Torquay | TQ1 | Paignton | 8 h 00 min |
| Newton Abbot | TQ12 | Torquay | 7 h 59 min |
| Exmouth | EX8 | Sidmouth | 7 h 58 min |
| Barnstaple | EX31 | Bideford | 7 h 54 min |
| Bideford | EX39 | Barnstaple | 7 h 54 min |
| Tiverton | EX16 | Crediton | 7 h 56 min |
| Crediton | EX17 | Exeter | 7 h 57 min |
| Dartmouth | TQ6 | Paignton | 8 h 01 min |
| Honiton | EX14 | Sidmouth | 7 h 57 min |
| Ilfracombe | EX34 | Barnstaple | 7 h 52 min |
| Kingsbridge | TQ7 | Dartmouth | 8 h 02 min |
| Okehampton | EX20 | Tavistock | 7 h 57 min |
| Sidmouth | EX10 | Honiton | 7 h 58 min |
| Tavistock | PL19 | Plymouth | 7 h 59 min |
| Totnes | TQ9 | Paignton | 8 h 00 min |
Landlords and let properties questions
Will a heat pump improve my property's EPC rating?
It can, but the effect varies. EPC ratings depend on insulation, glazing, the heating system and how the assessment is modelled, so a heat pump in a poorly insulated home may change the rating less than expected. Check the current letting standards for your nation, and ask an EPC assessor to model the change if the rating matters for your plans.
Can a heat pump go on a block of flats or an HMO?
Often, yes, but it needs more planning. In flats, the outdoor unit position and pipe routes usually need freeholder or management company consent, and some positions need planning permission depending on the nation, which we check at survey. In HMOs, hot water demand is higher, so cylinder sizing is critical. Larger buildings may suit a commercial design instead.
Do tenants need training to use a heat pump?
Not training, but a clear explanation helps. Heat pumps are designed to run steadily, with radiators feeling warm rather than hot, so tenants used to boilers may be tempted to switch them off. We provide a handover sheet written for tenants covering the controls, hot water times, what to do if an error appears and why the unit should stay on.
Can I install a heat pump while tenants are living in the property?
Yes. Most installations typically take 2–4 days on site, with heating and hot water off for part of that time. We agree dates and access with you, provide written details to pass to tenants, and plan the changeover to keep downtime short. Preparing the outdoor unit and cylinder first shortens the period without heating.