Savvy Appliance Investments: A Landlord’s Guide to Upgrading for Long-Term Savings

In HMO and student lets, efficient appliances are a strategic investment that keep tenants happy and costs under control. With energy prices on the rise and new landlord legislation tightening around efficiency standards, it’s more important than ever to equip your property with the right tech.

High-usage homes like student accommodation put appliances through their paces. Choosing energy efficient and durable models can help lower bills, reduce wear and tear, and keep budget-conscious tenants satisfied. It’s also a smart way to future-proof your property ahead of new EE legislation regulations, whilst also keeping tenants who are on a tight budget happy.

At Currys Business, we support landlords across the UK with expert advice, tailored product recommendations to suits all budgets, and professional-grade solutions built to last. If you’re thinking about upgrading your appliances, here’s what to know before making your next tech investment.

Gas vs Electric Ovens: What’s Best for Your Property?

Choosing between gas and electric ovens depends on your property's setup and tenant needs, but each have their pros and cons.

Landlord Tip: For HMOs or short-let flats, electric ovens are often the safer and simpler choice. An auto-clean feature can save you time and of a regular, rigorous scrub. These ovens heat up to around 400-500°C, burning off excess grease and food residue. What’s left? Just a bit of ash that can easily be swept away.

Our Experts Recommend: If you decide to opt for an electric oven, the KENWOOD KDC66SS22 Electric Ceramic Cooker has fanned heat, double glazed oven doors and a digital timer. Considering an auto-cleaning oven? Look out for the ‘pyrolytic cleaning’ feature.

For those wanting to invest in a dual gas and electric oven, the HOTPOINT Multiflow HDM67G8C2CX Dual Fuel Cooker is a great option.

Why buy from Currys Business? With our same-day delivery and installation service, we’ll take care of safely removing and installing your oven.

Installing a gas oven? That’s a job strictly for a gas engineer. Book an installation from Currys Business, and you’ll get a qualified pro who’ll handle it safely and give you a full demo – so you’re ready to handle any tenant questions with confidence.

Washers and Dryers: Stack Smart, Save Space

Washing machines and tumble dryers are some of the most frequently used and misused appliances in any rental property, especially in HMOs. Choosing durable, reliable helps cut down on breakdowns, maintenance calls, and tenant complaints.

A tumble drier is also a smart investment. It frees up space by reducing the need for clothes drying on radiators or furniture and helps prevent common issues like damp and mould caused by indoor drying, a common concern in shared housing environments.

Landlord Tip: Choose models with auto-dosing and sensor drying. These features prevent overuse of detergent and reduce energy costs, which can be a win-win if you’re including utilities in the rent. We recommend the LG EZDispense TurboWash F4Y509WWLA1 and HISENSE 5S Series Auto Dosing WF5S1245BB washing machines as they both have an A energy rating which enables them to use less energy and water, reducing your tenants’ carbon footprint.

Why buy from Currys Business? If you’re kitting out a new property or want to upgrade your appliances but unsure of where to start, our team of experts are on hand to guide you through the process of choosing the best models for your property. We can help you find the type of machine you need and show you the latest models as well as advice you on the features that are suitable for your tenants. We’ve also got you covered with exclusive deals to get you the best value without compromise.

Domestic vs Pro Appliances: Is it worth the upgrade to pro?

One of the key decisions for HMO landlords is whether to choose standard domestic appliances or invest in professional, commercial-grade models. In shared homes, especially in student or young professional lets, appliances go through heavy use and less careful handling, which can shorten their lifespan.

The right choice depends on a few key factors: tenant turnover, usage patterns, property size, and long-term maintenance costs. Weighing these up will help you make the most durable and cost-effective decision for your property.

Type of appliance Pros Cons
Domestic Appliances
  • Lower upfront cost, wide range of models, easy to source and replace
  • Free-standing and built-in options
  • Special features such as catalytic cleaning which can make cleaning and maintenance easy
  • Shorter lifespan under heavy usage, fewer features for tenant-proofing
  • Higher water consumption
  • Bult-in appliances are harder to repair as they are usually fixed within a certain position
Professional/Commercial Appliances
  • Built for durability, larger load capacities, ideal for HMOs, student housing, and short-term lets
  • Extended warranties and comprehensive service support, ensuring businesses have access to quick repairs and replacements, further minimising disruptions
  • Hot fill, Auto Dosing feature improves cleaning performance, reduces waste, and saves time on washing machines
  • Higher initial cost and sometimes more complex installation
  • Higher power demands increase the risk of electrical issues, so it’s essential that your property’s electrics meet the required specifications
  • These appliances may cost more upfront, but they often deliver long-term savings through better energy efficiency and lower maintenance needs
  • Installation can be more complex, especially if property electrics need upgrading to meet higher power requirements

When to go pro: If your property sees high turnover or above average usage - like student accommodation or serviced apartments, professional appliances often pay for themselves in saved repair and replacement costs over time.

Make your next upgrade a savvy one

Before upgrading appliances, ask yourself:

  • How often is the appliance used?
  • Do tenants need something simple and durable or higher-end and feature-rich?
  • How important is energy efficiency in managing your property's long-term costs?

Our Experts Recommend: Commercial-grade appliances can come at a higher cost but it can deliver greater performance, durability and save you money in the long-run. For a commercial use washing machine, our experts recommend the Electrolux myPRO WE170P Washing Machine, or if you’ve got a tighter budget to stick to then the Whirlpool AWH 912/PRO UK Washing Machine is a reliable domestic model.

At Currys Business, we help landlords make confident, informed choices. Our team can guide you through the best products for your needs, from reliable budget models to commercial-grade options designed for heavier usage. Plus, with our expert installation and ongoing support, you’ll save time and hassle from day one.

We’ll support you with choosing the appropriate appliance for your property in the first instance.

We understand how much investment goes into kitting out a multiple occupation property, that’s why we offer exclusive discounts for bulk purchases so that you’re able to stay within your allocated budget without sacrificing the choice of opting for a high-quality appliance.

Need help choosing appliances that can handle heavy tenant use? We help you do business better.

Register for a business account today. You can also visit one of our business hubs across the UK or call our UK based business tech experts on 0344 561 6789.