Energy efficiency now ‘key factor’ when buying a house

Published: 11/07/2013

From a large kitchen to an ensuite bathroom, a decent sized garden to walk in wardrobes, everyone has a ‘must have’ list when buying a house.

But with energy bills expected to see another dramatic rise in the forthcoming months, energy efficiency is a top priority for many homebuyers. In fact energy efficiency is so important that the Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC) believe homes with good Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are worth, on average, 14% more.

In its report, the DECC found improving a property’s EPC by two bands (e.g. from band G to E or band D to B) could increase the value of the property by up to £14,000.

Kevin McCloud, presenter of Channel 4’s property renovation show, Grand Designs, comments:

“There are some 26 million homes in Britain, more of them about as well insulated as a rabbit hutch, and they need immediate help to be made less wasteful.

“This timely report tells us what we suspected all along: that people really value the well-insulated, energy efficient home; that modest investment in measures to make our homes more comfortable, healthier and cheaper-to-run really pays off.”

Anyone selling a property may therefore be interested in taking advantage of the Government’s Green Deal.

The Green Deal aims to help homes implement energy saving improvements such as loft, cavity and wall insulation and double glazing which could not only reduce energy bills but our overall carbon footprint. Through the Green Deal homeowners can apply for financial help in order to implement some of these improvements.

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Content correct at time of publication