The ongoing cost-of-living crisis has seen a sharp rise in interest for homes with greater energy efficiency, with one in four homeowners now indicating that they plan to sell their home to buy a property which is more energy efficient.
The figures come from new research by MyGlazing.com which also found that homeowners would even pay 15% more for a property which has an EPC rating of C or above. One in 20 (5%) surprisingly said they would spend 50% or more.
When it comes to buying a new property, loft insulation, newly fitted double or triple-glazed windows and a newly fitted boiler are the three most important green features homeowners are looking for.
10 most important green features homeowners are looking for when buying a new property:
Loft insulation (54%)
Newly fitted double/triple glazed windows (47%)
A newly fitted boiler (45%)
Cavity wall insulation (45%)
Newly fitted double/triple glazed doors (43%)
Draught proofing (40%)
Energy-efficient light bulbs (39%)
Solar panels (35%)
A recently renewed EPC rating of C or above (33%)
Dual flush toilet (32%)
As well as the green features Brits are looking for, the new research reveals that the energy crisis is having an impact on the types of properties people are looking to buy. In fact, 40% of homeowners say they wouldn’t buy a character property because there is too much work to do to meet green targets.
When it comes to selling their current property, 24% of homeowners are concerned that their property’s EPC rating will stop them from selling their property in the future.
Tom Butler, from MyGlazing.com, comments: “It goes without saying that the energy efficiency of a property is becoming increasingly important to homeowners and buyers alike. For homeowners, having a property which is energy efficient will ultimately help to keep energy bills down, while also increasing buyer appeal for those planning to sell. However, it’s surprising that so many homeowners are considering selling their property for one which is more energy efficient, rather than making home improvements.
“Ultimately, some energy-efficient home improvements can be expensive but in the long term, they can help homeowners save hundreds, if not thousands of pounds on energy bills every year. For example, up to 24% of the homes' heat energy is lost through old, draughty glass and glazing. By upgrading windows and doors, homeowners can save, on average, £616 each year.”