Going Green Could Save You Green

Energy Efficient Homes provide hope to Property Investors

Carbon appeal is set to surpass 'kerb appeal' for property buyers claims a new research from the Energy Saving Trust. The survey reveals that energy efficient homes could be a vital driver to keeping the property market moving in the current doom and gloom climate. The study results show that half of UK homeowners believe homes with greener features are easier to sell in the current market and 53% of all householders say they would be willing to pay extra for them.

The research reveals however, that estate agents could be under-selling the value of greener homes through a lack of information.

Despite the fact that householders are willing to pay on average £3,350 more for a 'green' home, almost half (49%) feel that estate agents don't put enough value on a home's green features and 56 per cent feel that estate agents don't know enough about energy efficiency performance.

There is a clear appetite for clearer information however, as two-thirds (66%) of householders would like more guidance from estate agents on the likely running costs of a home.

The research also indicates that failing to pay enough attention to a home's 'carbon appeal' could make it harder to sell, as over three-quarters of those surveyed (78%) agree that having 'poor' energy rating on their Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) could lead to buyers haggling down the price of a home on the market; furthermore two-thirds (66%) agreed that in light of the current economic climate, home-buyers are more likely to consider the EPC to ensure a home has lower-running costs.