How have sustainable home improvements impacted home value?

The government’s target to cut carbon emissions to net zero by 2050 affects us all. In fact, 40% of UK emissions come from households, with the average household emitting 2.7 tonnes of CO2 every year just from heating their home.

Lowering the operational costs of a property is incredibly advantageous to UK property buyers as it increases the properties’ EPC rating and can dramatically lower energy bills, whilst simultaneously reducing carbon emissions. Research conducted by the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) supports this, showing that by making energy saving home improvements, property value can increase by up to 38% in some regions (14% on average).

Woman monitors energy production from the solar power plant with mobile phone. Close-up view on phone screen with running program. Concept of remote control of solar energy production

Prospective UK buyers are particularly eager for sustainable properties, with 63% of homebuyers looking to purchase an environmentally friendly home. Moreover, 82% are willing to pay a premium for a sustainable property.

Best energy efficient home improvements to increase property value?

Insulating your home before putting it on the market can be one of the quickest and most successful ways to increase its value. Investing in modern double glazed or triple glazed window replacements is an especially effective way to improve the value of a residential property.

How does sustainability affect property?

Installing new double glazing can boost a property’s EPC score by 5 to 10 points. Super Spacer® products are known worldwide for outstanding thermal performance and durability. For example, Super Spacer® Premium reduces window U-values by up to 0.2W/m2K, helping windows to achieve the highest residential Window Energy Ratings possible. As the internal edge of the glass is up to 65% warmer when Edgetech Warm Edge Spacer Bars are installed, the energy efficiency performance of the window is vastly improved and condensation is reduced at the edge of the window by up to 70%.

What home improvements could make a house more eco friendly?

Cavity wall insulation
Loft insulation
Replace your boiler
Fit a hot water tank thermostat
Insulate your pipe work
Install low-flow toilets
Invest in a water-saving shower head
Install a smart meter
Solar energy
Heat pumps and heat exchangers
Geothermal heating
Sustainable water drainage solutions
Upgrade high energy appliances with energy efficient ones
Hang thicker curtains & add door draft excluders in winter
Energy efficient lighting, e.g., LED light bulbs
Switch to a cheaper energy tariff
Low environmental impact construction materials
Keep an eye on your energy consumption with an energy monitor
Conduct a home energy assessment
Cultivate energy saving habits, e.g., switch off lights and electrical appliances when not in use, let clothes dry naturally, keep lids on pans when cooking.