A House Like Mine helps Oxford homeowners and landlords explore ways to improve the energy efficiency of their properties, using assessments of 12 local homes.
Launched in February 2025 by Oxford City Council with Low Carbon Hub and Cosy Homes Oxfordshire, the resource shows how different homes could be upgraded and how work can be planned in stages.
What do the case studies show?
Each of the 12 homes received a Whole House Plan identifying possible improvements. The published case studies cover owner-occupied and rental properties, from older terraces to a modern flat.
These are assessments and plans: potential EPC ratings, estimated savings and proposed works should not be read as measured results from completed renovations.
| Property Type | Location |
|---|---|
| Pre-1900s Mid-Terrace | Kingston Road, Oxford |
| 1950s Semi-Detached | Marston, Oxford |
| 1900s Detached | Botley, Oxford |
| 1950s Steel-Framed ‘Howard House’ | Rose Hill, Oxford |
| 1920s Semi-Detached | Rose Hill, Oxford |
| 1930s Semi-Detached | Rose Hill, Oxford |
| 1940s Semi-Detached | St. Clements, Oxford |
| Pre-1900s Mid-Terrace | Osney Island, Oxford |
| Pre-1900s End-Terrace | Jericho, Oxford |
| 1950s End-Terrace | Blackbird Leys, Oxford |
| 1900s Mid-Terrace | Littlemore, Oxford |
| 1990s Top-Floor Flat | Temple Cowley, Oxford |
How to use a Whole House Plan
Cosy Homes Oxfordshire describes its Whole House Plan as a property-specific assessment with recommendations, indicative costs and savings, and a sequence for carrying out improvements.
Measures may include insulation, draught-proofing, ventilation, heating changes or solar panels, depending on the building. The important point is how they work together: for example, sealing draughts without adequate ventilation can create damp problems. A similar-looking house is a useful starting point, but it is not a specification for your own property.
The case studies also illustrate why older buildings and homes in conservation areas need attention to their construction and heritage constraints. Ask an assessor which measures suit your home and what permissions may be needed.
What energy-efficiency funding is available?
The Home Upgrade Grant is closed. Current routes worth checking include the following, subject to the scheme rules and a suitable property assessment.
Warm Homes: Local Grant
This supports eligible privately owned homes in England with EPC ratings from D to G. Household income is usually £36,000 or less, although some households qualify through benefits or their postcode. The council decides which improvements are suitable, and funding availability matters. Landlords may need to contribute.
Check the national eligibility guidance and Oxford City Council’s local funding page. The council says Oxfordshire County Council and Agility Eco Services deliver the scheme locally. Private tenants need their landlord’s permission for works.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme
The scheme offers grants towards eligible low-carbon heating installations. It is not restricted to replacing gas boilers, and the grant depends on the technology and existing heating system. Check the current eligibility rules and official grant values with an MCS-certified installer before ordering work.
Energy Company Obligation: ECO4
ECO4 is an obligation on energy suppliers, rather than a grant automatically available to every eligible household. Suppliers decide which projects to fund, and a contribution may be required. Ofgem’s guidance says the scheme runs until 31 December 2026; meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee an installation.
Where should homeowners start?
Find your home’s EPC, compare the relevant case studies and ask for an assessment of the building before choosing major improvements. Domestic EPCs use an A-to-G scale, with A the most efficient. A+ and A++ are not domestic EPC bands.
Check assessment fees, installation quotations and funding conditions before agreeing to work. The savings will depend on the property, the measures installed, energy prices and how the home is used; this guide does not establish a fixed percentage saving or a guaranteed increase in resale value.
Updated on 16 October 2026: funding guidance has been brought up to date, unsupported savings claims removed, and an energy-label illustration replaced with an explanation of the domestic EPC scale.
