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Survey Shows Green Homes Are Worth More

Posted: 29/03/2006

The Energy Saving Trust has teamed up with TV presenter and property expert Naomi Cleaver to put together some online tips on making your home more attractive to potential buyers, and what people should look for when buying a home, after new research revealed that 7 out of 10 Britons believe that homes boasting energy saving features are worth paying more for.

Almost half of respondents said they weould be willing to pay an additional £5,000 - £10,000 for a green home built to high environmental standards. Homes with features such as high levels of insulation, double-glazing and energy efficient boilers could be more attractive to buyers, and sell quicker.

Research shows that the 59% of home sellers focussing their attentions on quick wins such as applying a lick of paint, or adding a few scatter cushions might be missing a trick, compared to just 21% who would consider improving the energy efficiency of their homes before putting it on the market.

Old, clapped out boilers, single glazed windows and insufficient insulation would sway more than two thirds (64%) of home buyers against a purchase, compared to less than one in ten would be put off by the décor, the garden or tidiness of the property

Cleaver says that understanding the demands of potential buyers is essential when selling your home:

"With the home being the biggest single investment most people are likely to make in a lifetime, it needs to be a haven that people can enjoy. Installing energy efficient measures such as sufficient loft insulation and double glazing can make a home warmer, more secure and cheaper to run, which can all help secure a more favourable offer."

Philip Sellwood, Chief Executive of the Energy Saving Trust says the results signify a positive shift in consumer demand and awareness of the need for increased energy efficiency.

"With our homes responsible for over a quarter of the UK's total CO2 emissions, it is essential to increase their energy efficiency. This increase in demand for environmentally friendly homes will hopefully inspire more homeowners to make important improvements, not only to make their homes more comfortable and less costly to run, but also to pass on these benefits to potential buyers."

For online advice on how to prepare your home for sale, visit www.est.org.uk/myhome/hiddenvalue/

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