UK owners able to pay premium for eco-friendly houses
Research from Smart Energy GB found that 69% of people want to ensure their next home is properly set up with key eco-friendly elements – such as electric vehicle (EV) charging points and solar panels
Scarlette Douglas visits some of Britain’s unique eco-homes
Eco-friendly homes are now the hottest property must-haves, with buyers willing to fork out 10% more for a place with green credentials, a study reveals. A survey of 1,400 homeowners found 69% are on the hunt for a property that’s been kitted out with eco-essentials like solar panels, heat pumps, and electric vehicle charging points.
More and more homes are getting a ‘greenovation‘ as 58% of homeowners aim to save cash in the short term, while 67% hope it’ll boost their home’s value in the long run. Property platform Rightmove has seen a similar trend, with a whopping 77% of homeowners on their site saying they’d pay a premium for an energy-efficient home.
In the past year, a quarter of households have made the switch to LED bulbs, 22% have had smart meters installed, and one in five have upgraded to a new boiler. Some 15% have even had insulation fitted to keep the chill off, according to research by Smart Energy GB.
TV presenter and property guru Scarlette Douglas has been snooping around some of Britain’s most unique eco-homes. She said: “I really enjoyed having the opportunity to uncover how Brits are greenifying their homes.”
She added: From solar-powered lighting to rainwater recycling, it’s cool to see the new and quirky eco-elements people are adding to their homes.”
“The financial benefits people see with the help of a smart meter are clear, too. From small steps to the more aspirational, I certainly feel inspired by the homes I’ve visited and the people I’ve met.”
Interestingly, 40% were initially inspired to make changes from property TV shows and social media content. Of these, 23% installed LED lights and 17% even started upcycling furniture after seeing it on TV or social media.
The research found the most popular way homeowners began their ‘greenovation’ was by getting a smart meter (18%), with a fifth saying it proved to be the most beneficial. Other areas where Brits have noticed significant savings include installing triple glazing and adding insulation.
Other savvy changes like triple glazing and boosting insulation are also helping households stash away an extra £25 a month that’s a nifty £300 annual saving!
Looking ahead, over the next three years, Brits are eyeing up boiler upgrades (15%), solar panels (13%), and triple glazing (13%) to keep their pads eco-friendly and their wallets happy.
TOP 10 ECO-FRIENDLY UPGRADES MADE IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS BY HOMEOWNERS:
- Had LED lighting fitted
- Had a smart meter installed
- Upgraded the boiler
- Had insulation fitted
- Begun upcycling furniture
- Upgraded windows to double or triple glazing
- Had draught-proofing fitted
- Had solar panels installed
- Had EV charging points installed
- Had a heat pump installed
