The soaring cost of gas has made us all think twice about how frequently we turn on our central heating but no one wants to live in a cold home. In a bid to keep energy bills affordable, many homeowners have gone in search of alternative ways to keep warm.
In September 2022, the results of a survey conducted by Aviva found 1 in 10 homeowners planned to light fires or stoves more frequently to avoid using the central heating.
Therefore, it comes as no surprise that The Stove Industry Association reported that sales of wood burners in the second and third quarters of 2022 were up 40% and 66%, respectively. Demand, however, could ebb away as ministers and health officials take the polluting side effects of wood burners and stoves more seriously.
Legislation is already in place to try and rid the UK of the most polluting burners and to reduce the amount of pollution that’s released into the environment. To achieve this, all new wood burning stoves sold in the UK are required to comply with ECO2022 Ecodesign standards. Qualifying models have to meet minimum seasonal efficiency and maximum emission performance limits before they can be legally sold and installed.
In addition, some locations are already deemed ‘smoke control areas’ under the Clean Air Act. If a property falls within a smoke control area, the smoke from domestic open fires and wood burning stoves is restricted, and only authorised fuels are allowed to be burnt. If you’re unsure whether you live in a smoke control area, contact your local council’s environmental services department.
Despite these measures, the UK Government is now so alarmed about the rise of indoor pollution that it wants to impose greater penalties on people in smoke control areas who misuse log burners and stoves. Action is being taken after new data revealed particulate matter pollution from wood burning in homes has doubled over the past decade.
Ministers are now encouraging council officials to consider issuing on-the-spot civil penalties for those who break regulations. Fines could be as much as £300, and repeat offenders could face criminal prosecution, with penalties of up to £5,000 plus a further £2,500 for each day they break air pollution rules.
In London, the war against wood burners has taken a new turn – one that could provide a blueprint for the rest of the country to follow. The Mayor has set a new air quality limit that states all new developments in London must not contribute to net air pollution. The guidance effectively means wood burners are banned in new buildings and in homes where a refurbishment project is large enough to trigger a planning application. Homeowners in existing properties are still free to buy and install wood burners, however.
So, should homeowners be worried that a wood burning stove will devalue their home or put off buyers? As there isn’t a requirement to remove existing wood burners, there is no immediate impact on sales prospects. We do recommend that sellers have chimneys regularly swept, flues inspected and always buy dried wood or low-pollution solid fuels that are in accordance with any smoke control area regulations. If you have an existing property and want to install a wood burner, buy a new Ecodesign-compliant model instead of an older, second hand stove.
Homeowners planning to sell their property can contact us for further advice and local market updates.
As more professionals embrace remote and hybrid working, demand for well-designed home office spaces is on the rise. Whether you're a landlord in Cardiff or across South Wales, understanding what makes a great home office can help boost your property's appeal, reduce void periods, and attract quality long-term tenants.
At RedKey, your local Cardiff and Newport property experts, we know how to position your rental to meet modern tenant expectations. Here are five key features that make a home office truly desirable — and how you can use them to your advantage.
Tenants value properties with plenty of natural light, and this is especially important in a home office. Natural light not only boosts productivity but is also linked to better sleep, improved mood, and fewer headaches.
✅ Top Tip for Landlords:
If your rental’s home office has limited light, use mirrors to reflect brightness, opt for light-coloured furniture, and choose pale window dressings that let the sun in. Small changes can make a big impact when staging.
Remote workers spend hours at their desks, so comfort and functionality matter. A desk cramped against the wall may look space-saving, but it lacks practicality.
✅ Top Tip for Landlords:
If space allows, pull the desk away from the wall to give the illusion of more room and improve comfort. Legroom is a key feature tenants now look for in Cardiff rental homes with workspaces.
Adding plants to a home office doesn’t just improve the aesthetics — it also boosts health and wellbeing. Studies show greenery can reduce stress, improve air quality, and increase focus and happiness.
✅ Top Tip for Landlords:
When staging your Cardiff rental, place low-maintenance plants or high-quality faux greenery in the office. It adds instant charm without requiring tenant upkeep.
Clutter is a productivity killer, and tenants want tidy, organised workspaces. Office essentials like chargers, stationery, and documents quickly pile up without the right storage.
✅ Top Tip for Landlords:
Install floating shelves, built-in cabinets, or stylish storage baskets to help tenants keep the space organised. Highlight these features in your rental listing for extra appeal.
Wall colour plays a huge role in a home office environment. While tenants may personalise later, neutral shades are universally appealing and help stage the space in a way that feels calm and professional.
✅ Top Tip for Landlords:
Stick to pale greens, cool blues, light greys, or off-whites. These tones help promote focus and relaxation — exactly what remote workers need.
With more tenants than ever working from home at least part-time, the home office has become a major selling point. Properties that include a functional and attractive office space stand out in the competitive Cardiff rental market.
By making just a few simple upgrades, landlords can:
Increase rental appeal
Reduce void periods
Attract high-quality, long-term tenants
Enhance rental value
At RedKey, we specialise in property management and marketing in Cardiff and South Wales. We know exactly what tenants are looking for and can help you present your property at its very best — including highlighting work-from-home features that drive results.
👉 Get in touch today for expert advice on staging, letting, or managing your rental property:
📞 Call 02920 090690 / 03333 447850
📧 Email hello@redkeylets.co.uk
Let us help you turn your rental into a high-demand property in the Cardiff rental market.
#CardiffLandlordTips #HomeOfficeCardiff #CardiffRentalMarket #RemoteWorkReady #CardiffLettings #SouthWalesProperty #LandlordAdvice #RedKeyPropertyExperts
As more professionals embrace remote and hybrid working, demand for well-designed home office spaces is on the rise.
Subscribe to receive the latest property market information to your inbox, full of market knowledge and tips for your home.
You may unsubscribe at any time. See our Privacy Policy.