The UK is leading the way in energy efficiency, and buyers are increasingly taking this into consideration when looking for a new home. In fact, the Office for National Statistics has revealed that energy efficiency is now one of the top priorities for property buyers in the UK, especially younger buyers. With environmental concerns at the forefront of many people’s minds and the cost of living increasing – an energy efficient property makes ethical sense for buyers.
And with the cost of energy rising, it’s no wonder that buyers are prioritising energy efficiency when searching for a new property. Here are some of the ways buyers are looking for energy efficiency in the UK:
- Energy Performance Certificates: One of the most important things buyers look for when assessing a property’s energy efficiency is its Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). This document rates a property’s energy efficiency on a scale of A to G and provides an indication of the property’s estimated energy costs.
- Green Deal Assessments: Buyers can also look for Green Deal Assessments, which provide an indication of the property’s energy efficiency and potential cost savings. The assessments are carried out by accredited professionals and provide an indication of the cost of energy efficiency improvements that could be made to the property.
- Sustainability: Buyers are also looking for properties which feature sustainable features, such as rainwater harvesting systems, grey water recycling systems, and green roofs. These features can help to reduce energy bills and emissions, as well as providing a range of other benefits. Solar shading has also become a popular energy efficient option for many different types of buildings. By installing solar shading on windows and other parts of the building, it is possible to reduce the amount of heat that enters the building, making it much more comfortable and reducing cooling costs.
- Renewable Energy Technologies: Buyers are also looking for properties which feature renewable energy technologies, such as solar panels/heat pumps. These technologies can help to reduce energy bills over the long term and emissions, as well as providing a range of other benefits.
- Insulation: Property buyers are also considering the property’s insulation when assessing its energy efficiency. Poor insulation can lead to higher energy bills, and buyers are increasingly looking for properties which have good levels of insulation, so heat is retained.
- Energy Rating Labels: Buyers are also looking for properties which feature energy rating labels, which provide an indication of the property’s energy efficiency and estimated energy costs.
- Smart Meters: Smart meters are becoming increasingly popular, as they can provide detailed information about a property’s energy usage, which can help to identify potential savings.
By taking these factors into consideration, buyers can ensure that they are making an informed decision when it comes to purchasing a property. Energy efficiency is an important consideration for buyers in the UK, and by looking for properties which feature energy efficient features, buyers can reduce their energy bills and emissions, while also helping to protect the environment.
For more info about energy efficient properties and features that can help you to manage this in your property, such as solar shading, get in touch with our team at Urban Skies today.