In this insight piece, Harry Macgregor, Head of Business Development at ChargeGuru UK, makes the case for retrofitting existing flats with EV charging. With 80% of 2050’s homes already built and 21% of UK dwellings being flats, he outlines how EV-ready upgrades can increase property value, improve resident experience and support the UK’s transition to electric vehicles, all while leveraging available government grants.


As of January 2026, 32% of all new cars were Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) and Plug-in Hybrids (PHEVs), reflecting a growing interest in ownership of electric vehicles (EVs). This number sits above the global average of EV ownership, which means the UK is one of the leading adopters in the transition to electric vehicles. 

But there remains a gap. While new homes are increasingly built with EVs in mind, research shows that existing flats and apartment blocks lag dramatically behind, with ChargeGuru data showing that around 70% of residents still rely on public charging due to the lack of on‑site infrastructure. 

Property managers are missing an opportunity here. Retrofitting these buildings with EV charging is an underutilised value-add, hidden in plain sight. 

The UK has one of the oldest housing stocks in Europe, which is crucial to understanding why retrofits matter. 80% of the homes that will exist in 2050 are already built because the UK replaces housing very slowly (around 2% a year). Considering that 21% of UK dwellings are flats, millions of people are living in multiunit buildings which were not originally designed for EV charging. 

This remains a pain point for EV driving residents who instead must rely on public charging infrastructure, which, while slightly more affordable than filling up with petrol or diesel, is more expensive than charging at home. We cannot expect EV ownership to be accessible for everyone if residents find it more expensive, less convenient, and more stressful than single family homeowners simply because of the building they live in. 

For property managers, addressing these gaps unlocks a new level of property value and tenant loyalty. Properties offering EV charging see higher rental demand, and EV-ready buildings are more “futureproof” and can differentiate themselves in a competitive market. 

Installation doesn’t have to be a huge up-front cost for property owners, as the UK currently offers generous support for retrofitting EV charging. Government grants can reduce or even eliminate costs for both building management and residents, helping property owners and freeholders to retrofit far more affordably. However, this funding landscape is always subject to change. This is why it is crucial to work with an EV charging company capable of navigating the volatility of government incentives and ensuring a long term and reliable solution. 

In order to be EV-ready, most existing UK carparks need behind‑the‑scenes modernisation, such as updated distribution boards, refreshed wiring, and tools like smart meters and submetering to ensure fair billing and safe charging environments. Meeting UK fire‑safety and electrical regulations is essential, with proper protection devices, safe cabling, and energy monitoring to detect faults early.  

A trusted EV charging solutions provider will start by assessing the building’s electrical capacity, parking layout, and speak with the property manager about current or future resident EV demand. Instead of installing every charger the building might one day need, it’s important to choose a solution that can install a practical number based on resident or tenant request and use smart load management so the system can scale as adoption grows. 

When choosing suppliers, prioritise those who offer safe, compliant, flexible systems with end‑to‑end management, ensuring the installation and associated chargepoints can be maintained and upgraded over time. 

Finally, bring residents into the process. Clear communication about how the system works and the benefits it brings helps build trust, boosts adoption, and ensures the investment is valued. 

Retrofitting existing housing for EV charging isn’t just about accommodating cars, like many may think. It’s actually about modernising buildings, improving resident life, lowering energy costs, increasing property value, and preparing communities for a future where electrification is the norm.  

For more information on how you can start your electrification journey, visit us at https://chargeguru.com/uk/.