New research from the Energy Saving Trust reveals that energy efficient homes could be a vital driver to keeping the property market moving, with 'carbon appeal' set to replace 'kerb appeal' when it comes to swaying buyers.
The study reveals that half of UK homeowners believe homes with greener features are easier to sell in the current market and 53% of all householders say they would be willing to pay extra for them.
The research reveals however, that estate agents could be under-selling the value of greener homes through a lack of information.
Despite the fact that householders are willing to pay on average £3,350 more for a 'green' home, almost half (49%) feel that estate agents don't put enough value on a home's green features and 56 per cent feel that estate agents don't know enough about energy efficiency performance. There is a clear appetite for clearer information however, as two-thirds (66%) of householders would like more guidance from estate agents on the likely running costs of a home.
The research also indicates that failing to pay enough attention to a home's 'carbon appeal' could make it harder to sell, as over three-quarters of those surveyed (78%) agree that having 'poor' energy rating on their Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) could lead to buyers haggling down the price of a home on the market; furthermore two-thirds (66%) agreed that in light of the current economic climate, home-buyers are more likely to consider the EPC to ensure a home has lower-running costs.
Kevin McCloud, broadcaster and presenter of Grand Designs, comments: "I'm building 180 super energy-efficient homes over the next few years, but what about Britain's existing housing stock? Well, we can all box-clever and be efficient in how we generate heat, keep it in the building and consume power, and add value to our homes in the process. When it comes to what makes a house sell, energy efficiency is becoming as desirable as period features and a nice view."
Philip Sellwood, Chief Executive of the Energy Saving Trust comments: "It is really encouraging to see the extent to which green measures have become an integral factor when buying and selling houses. In the current economic climate, it makes sense to ensure that the running costs of the home you are living in or buying are as low as possible as well as helping to cut down on your carbon dioxide emissions. Ensuring that a home is as energy efficient as possible is a great way to help make sure that you keep bills down over the longer-term. For more information on how to Act on CO2 and boost your home's 'carbon appeal' speak to a local Energy Saving Trust advisor on 0800 512 012"
Peter Bolton King, Chief Executive, National Association of Estate Agents, said: "Whilst there is always room for improvement, our members do take the Energy Performance Certificate very seriously and will flag it up to both vendors and purchasers including it as part of the property particulars and with many of them going further and including it on their websites. In addition, we have long appreciated that a new boiler and modern efficient central heating will be a selling point in any home. However, whilst green features are demonstrably important in selling a property - and with rising gas prices they are undoubtedly becoming more important - these are only some of features that people consider in their list when choosing a home. Location and price, will always play a part as will new bathrooms and kitchens and the general lay-out and décor of the home."
The research forms part of the Energy Saving Trust's 'Hidden Value Guide' which will be launched at the end of August. Other key findings include: -
- 90% of people intending to improve the energy efficiency of their home say they are more likely to invest in products which will help them save money on their fuel bills such as energy saving lighting or energy efficient appliances as a result of the current economic climate.
- 69% of people agree that homeowners should put money into improving the energy efficiency of their home now that it is harder to move in the current economic climate.
- More than a quarter of people (26%) have plans to improve the energy efficiency of their property in the next 12 months.
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Source: Energy Saving Trust |
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