Energy efficiency boosts house price
27 August 2008
Energy efficient
measures such as loft insulation and cavity wall insulation which
improve a home's performance are believed by many to improve the
saleability of a home.
A study by the Energy Saving Trust revealed that half of UK
homeowners believe homes with greener features are easier to
sell.
Even as the property market becomes stagnant, the EST survey
revealed that 56 per cent of householders would be willing to pay
extra for homes equipped with energy efficiency measures.
The survey showed that home buyers would be prepared to pay on
average £3,350 for a 'green home'.
However, respondents expressed their frustration with real estate
agents, with 56 per cent saying that the person tasked with selling
their house did not understand energy performance.
Philip Sellwood, Chief Executive of the Energy Saving Trust
comments: "It is really encouraging to see the extent to which
green measures have become an integral factor when buying and
selling houses.
"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."
Nearly three quarters of homeowners also expressed their concern
that a poor rating on their energy performance certificate could
give the buyer leverage with which to haggle down the price.
The National Association of Estate Agents, however, has criticised
the scheme of home information packs, which include an Energy
Performance Certificate, as "not fit for [the] purpose".
