Homeowners are being enticed by energy saving features when looking for a property that could save them more than £1,300 per year in bills. But which ones are potential homebuyers most fond of when looking for a property for sale? And how much could you save from each of the differing factors?
Purplebricks has revealed a list of the top 10 most desirable energy saving features according to a new survey. So, now you will know how to make your home sell easier and what to look out for to save you money in the long run on a new property.
- Double glazing – 56%
- Loft insulation – 47%
- A high energy efficiency rating – 47%
- An energy efficient gas boiler – 45%
- Cavity wall insulation – 39%
- Solar panels – 34%
- Smart meters – 26%
- Property already at its EPC potential – 23%
- Ability to commute to work or travel to school on foot – 23%
- Heat pump – 18%
Double Glazing
As much as 18% of heat loss occurs through windows. Having double-glazed windows really helps to keep the heat inside your home – 56% of potential buyers would be encouraged to buy a home that had it.
By installing double windows to a home with an energy rating of A to a semi-detached house that is heated by gas, you could save £95 per year.
Loft insulations
Often as you can’t see the loft on a day-to-day basis, insulation can sometimes be forgotten about. However, the impact of it is often felt if you don’t have it. Just under half (47%) of buyers see it as a desirable feature.
Insulation costs around £300, but you could make that money back in just two years as it saves £150 per year.
High energy efficiency rating
Properties can be rated on a scale of A – G for energy efficiency – A being very efficient. If a home is given an A or B rating, it can add 16% to the property's value and for almost half (47%) of those wanting to buy, it would make them more likely to purchase a home.
Energy efficient gas boiler
It’s easy to see why this is an attractive part of a home for 45% of buyers. Heating costs make up a big chunk – often more than half – of our energy bills, so it’s key to keep the running cost as low as possible.
The Energy Saving Trust believes that up to £300 per year could be saved by swapping an old boiler that is inefficient with a new boiler that comes with an A-rating for energy efficiency.
Cavity wall insulation
A home with cavity wall insulation would make the property more appealing to 2 in 5 (39%) Brits looking for a new home. It can reduce heat loss in a home by a third (33%).
By installing it, you could come out with a saving of around £140 per year.
Solar panels
Solar panels are a great form of renewable energy that helps the planet. As well as playing your part in helping navigate the climate crisis, you can enjoy lesser electricity bills too. One in three (34%) of people looking to move home find solar panels an incentive to move there.
They can help you save up to £430 on your bills per year.
Smart meter
A smart meter is so helpful. It makes you aware of your gas and electricity usage and how you use them so you can put measures in place to save money. One in four (26%) potential buyers would be even more encouraged to buy the property if they knew it had one.
Property already at EPC potential
Once a home has reached its maximum Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating, it is in the best shape possible to use energy efficiently, which means a buyer will not have to invest further to get it up to speed. For 23% of buyers, this would entice them to buy a house even more.
Can get to work or school on foot
As we know, walking instead of driving produces no emissions so it is best for the planet. It’s not always possible if your home is a 3-hour walk away from work, but if it's within walking distance to work or school, 23% of those wanting to move would be more tempted to buy the home.
Heat pump
A heat pump is another form of renewable energy that attracts buyers as it takes air from the ground or outside and raises its temperature to keep properties warm. 18% of Brits feel the pump’s inclusion would make them more likely to buy the property.
It could help you save up to £187 per year on bills by swapping from a gas boiler.
Overall savings: £1302
Vince Courtney, Chief Sales Officer at Purplebricks said: “Given the cost-of-living crisis, many future homeowners are now looking to take on properties with energy saving features to help them out in the long run.
“From our experience, central heating, a high EPC rating and ability to commute to work or school on foot are the biggest things in terms of increasing your chances of a sale. In terms of new features, like heat pumps, it’s important to do your own research as they may not be appropriate for all properties.”
