In the UK, more homeowners are making their properties eco-friendly. This is not only good for the environment, but it can also increase the value of the home. Many buyers today want homes that are cheaper to run and better for the planet. Surveyors also take note of sustainable features when working out how much a home is worth.
Insulation Makes a Big Difference
Good insulation helps keep heat inside your home during winter and keeps it cool in summer. This means you spend less money on heating and cooling.
“Surveyors look closely at roof insulation, cavity wall insulation, and even floor insulation,” explains Ryan McNally, Director at Lloyd Dixon Group, surveyors in London. “A home with proper insulation will often have a better Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating, which can raise its market value.”
Buyers are also aware that a well-insulated home is more comfortable and cheaper to live in. According to Energy Saving Trust, homes with solid insulation can save up to £540 per year on energy bills. This saving is a big attraction for potential buyers.
Heat Pumps Improve Energy Efficiency
Air source and ground source heat pumps are becoming more popular in UK homes. These systems use outside air or the ground to heat your home, making them much more efficient than older gas boilers. A heat pump costs more to install at first, but it saves money in the long run and reduces your carbon footprint.
Surveyors often list a modern heating system as a valuable feature, especially in homes that are off the gas grid. Buyers are more likely to pay extra for a home that already has a heat pump installed, as it means lower future costs and fewer changes needed.
Solar Panels Add Long-Term Value
Solar panels are one of the best-known ways to make a home more sustainable. They generate electricity from sunlight and can help lower your energy bills, especially during daylight hours. Surveyors will note if a home has solar panels and whether they are owned or under a payment scheme.
According to research from the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS), installing solar panels can increase a home’s value by up to 14%, depending on the area and the system’s size. Buyers are often interested in homes with solar panels because they can use clean energy and cut down on electric costs.
Materials That Are Better for the Environment
Sustainable homes are also built or renovated using eco-friendly materials. This can include reclaimed wood, recycled bricks, and low-VOC paints, which are safer and cleaner for the indoor environment. While some buyers may not notice these details right away, surveyors often do, and they can help set your home apart from others.
Homes built with these materials are often healthier to live in and show that the owner has cared for the property in a thoughtful and future-ready way.
Making your home more sustainable is a smart move in today’s market. Features like proper insulation, heat pumps, solar panels, and eco-friendly building materials can raise your home’s value, lower running costs, and attract modern buyers. Surveyors and buyers both look for these improvements and see them as signs of a home that’s built to last.
