Green homes ‘easier to sell’

Half of UK householders believe energy efficient homes are easier to sell in the current market and 53% say they would be willing to pay extra for them.


But research from the Energy Saving Trust has suggested that householders think estate agents could be under-selling the value of greener homes.

Although buyers are willing to pay out on average £3,350 more for a green home, almost half think estate agents do not put enough value on a home’s green features, and even more believe estate agents do not know enough about energy efficiency performance.

Two-thirds of buyers said they would like more guidance from estate agents on the likely running costs of a home before they buy.

Most of those surveyed said a poor energy rating on their Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) could lead to buyers haggling down the price of a home on the market, and two-thirds agreed that buyers are more likely to consider the EPC given soaring energy bills.

Philip Sellwood, chief executive of the Energy Saving Trust, said: “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.”

Peter Bolton King, chief executive of the National Association of Estate Agents, said EPCs are taken seriously by his industry and flagged up to vendors and buyers.

He added: “However, while 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 the 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 decor of the home.”

Kate Martin

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