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Seemingly, little changes in the property sector, except for the amount of tax and licence fees landlords must pay.
While politicians seem to continually shift the financial goals private landlords must meet, housing standards remain much the same.
The latest in-depth look at homes in England is a snapshot of living conditions and standards across the sector- including private rentals, social housing and privately owned homes.
As the government plans to implement new decent homes rules by 2035, the survey reveals 4 million homes (15 percent of the housing stock) did not meet the Decent Homes Standard in 2024 - a similar number was listed as in the previous survey of 2022.
The changes were fewer housing associations, and private rented homes did not meet the standard in the North West, but more owner‑occupied and private rented homes failed the standard in the South East.
Serious health and safety hazards were found in 2.3 million homes. Hazard rates were similar in private rented (9 percent) and owner‑occupied homes (10 percent).
Vacant private sector homes had a much higher hazard rate (33 percent) than homes with a mortgage (8 percent) or owned outright (9 percent), indicating that empty properties are more likely to fall into disrepair.
Category 1 hazards include damp and mould growth, excessively hot or cold homes, faulty wiring and risk of falls on steps or slippery floors.
One in 20 homes across all sectors suffered from damp and moisture issues, which is 1.4 million homes and an increase since 2022.
Damp was most common in private rented homes (10 percent).
Severe condensation (3 percent of homes) was the most common type of damp.
Energy efficiency improved across all homes.
Homes rated A - C on an energy performance certificate (EPC) increased from 26 percent in 2014 to 56 percent in 2024.
Homes rated E - G fell from 23 percent to 9 percent over the same period.
Band D homes declined sharply from 43 percent in 2022 to 35 percent in 2024, while band C homes rose from 45 percent to 52 percent.
The average cost to upgrade a home to energy efficiency band C in 2024 was £7,480. Costs were highest for owner‑occupied homes and lowest for social rented homes, reflecting differences in property age, condition, and existing insulation levels.
Overcrowding was reported by 3 percent of households and 40 percent were under‑occupied in 2024-25.
Over the past decade, overcrowding in private rented homes increased from 5 percent to 6 percent