As the energy crisis concerns escalate, as well as an increase in interest in sustainability, we are seeing a growing number of property buyers prioritising energy efficient features when looking for a new home.

Energy-efficient homes that offer green features are now high in demand, according to new research carried out by the Home Builders Federation (HBF). ‘Eco friendly’ and ‘Having a good Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)’ were rated as the second and third most important factors respectively, behind ‘private outdoor space’.

The study, to mark New Homes Week 2022, has revealed the extent to which energy efficiency is now guiding the way Brits are now making home-moving decisions.

Around three in four respondents stated that they are worried about the energy performance of their current home, with almost a quarter  saying energy efficiency will be ‘crucial’ to their next home move.

According to HBF  housebuilders offer the key to unlocking UK electric car industry as over 70% of Brits state they would be persuaded to buy an electric vehicle if their home had a charging point, according to the study of almost 2,000 people.

The trade body also claims that the results place the UK’s residential developers at the forefront of meeting public demand for more energy-efficient living and show that when it comes to selecting a new home, sustainability is now a firm fixture at the top of our criteria.

A new report from HBF shows that buyers of new build homes are saving more than £400 per household on their energy bills, and emitting almost 600,000 tonnes less carbon than if last year’s new build homebuyers has chosen an older property.

The report – ‘Greener, Cleaner, Cheaper’  found that:

• Owners of new build houses and flats will save homeowners an average of £435 a year, rising to £555 for new build houses alone, equivalent to the cost of an average Premier League season ticket or a coffee from Pret every working day of the year
• The average new build home emits 2.38 tonnes less of carbon each year, around one-third of the carbon produced by the average older property
• The research shows that despite new build homes being, on average, 7.4% larger than older properties, new homebuyers are still generating valuable savings every month

More lenders are also beginning to offer green mortgages – such as lower interest rates for buyers of more energy efficient homes – and stricter requirements for landlords renting out domestic properties, home builders are urging lenders to go further, faster to assist homebuyers in making the right environmental choice.

Factoring into mortgage calculations the lower bills paid by new build buyers would enable even further savings to be made by buyers.

For ways to cut down energy usage and bills, here are some tips:

• Central heating is generally the most cost-effective way to heat your home, but make sure it’s working efficiently and use timers, room thermostats and thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) to control which rooms are heated and when. Set your thermostat to the lowest comfortable temperature: turning it down by just 1°C can save you £80 to £85 a year.
• Electric ovens, whether part of a cooker or a built-in oven, are more energy efficient than their gas counterparts. Similarly, electric induction hobs are the most efficient as they supply heat only to the pan, and not out into the kitchen; electric ceramic hobs are second best, while gas trails in third.

• Insulation is key so ensue you Insulate the loft, Install draught proofing and Insulate hot water pipes and tanks.

  If you are new to the property buying process and would like some help or advice get in touch. We are one of London’s leading bespoke real estate firms and would be delighted to help you acquire your dream property. Call direct on + 44 (0) 207 993 4081 or simply send an email for a fast response.

   

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