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Energy efficiency boosts home appeal

30 August 2008

Homeowners and estate agents may be missing a trick with greener housing going higher up the average buyer's agenda.

Research from the Energy Saving Trust has revealed that with a slowing housing market, homes with green credentials are seen as being easier to sell.

Half of UK homeowners believe homes with green features sell quicker and 53 per cent of potential buyers said they would be willing to pay up to £3,350 more for them.

Kevin McCloud, presenter of Grand Designs said: "When it comes to what makes a house sell, energy efficiency is becoming as desirable as period features and a nice view."

Chief executive of the Energy Savings Trust, Peter Sellwood, agreed with Mr McCloud, saying: "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 carbon 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."

According to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural affairs, residential sources contributed 81 million tonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere in 2006.