"Heat pumps, electric vehicle chargers, much better insulation and solar power will be standard on almost all homes very soon"
According to new research from planning and development consultancy Turley, after location, low upkeep costs are the second most important factor when buying a property, with 35% of consumers now willing to pay more for a new build house or flat to benefit from enhanced energy efficiency features.
The most popular eco features that house buyers would look for include high-performance insulation (71%), high-specification glazing (65%) and solar panels (63%).
47% of those surveyed also said a heat pump would appeal to them. However, 20% admit to not knowing what a heat pump is, despite the Government banning gas boilers in all new builds from 2025, effectively mandating heat pumps in new homes.
Similarly, despite electric vehicle charging points having been made mandatory in all new build homes to support the rollout of EVs, 43% of people say it would still not appeal to them when house hunting.
The UK’s residential sector currently accounts for 20% of the UK’s total carbon emissions. Improving the EPC rating of homes is key to reducing that. However, only 42% of UK homes have an EPC rating of C or above.
Despite people’s appetite for more energy-efficient homes, the cost of living crisis has significantly dented consumers’ ability to afford to move or purchase a property.
32% of those surveyed admitted that current financial challenges have made them less likely to buy or move home in the next five years.
Barny Evans, Director, Sustainability at Turley, said: “New homes built during the 2020s will change more than in the previous 40 years. Heat pumps, electric vehicle chargers, much better insulation and solar power will be standard on almost all homes very soon. These features, as well as improving environmental performance, can reduce bills substantially.
“Although there is still a way to go, our survey shows a growing awareness and appreciation of these features. That is a great incentive for housebuilders to embrace them and showcase them on new developments.”
