As the housing market continues to evolve here in Virginia Water, one trend that has become increasingly clear is that more buyers (and renters too) are prioritising energy efficiency more than ever before. They may be asking us about Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings or actively seeking out energy-efficient homes in Wentworth.
If you’re a homeowner considering placing your property on the market, understanding the reasons why people are looking for greener properties and making some energy-efficient upgrades, even small changes, can significantly enhance your property’s appeal and value, helping it stand out on the market.
If you’re looking for energy-efficient homes for sale, take some time to explore our available properties in Virginia Water and the surrounding areas, visit our award-winning website here or contact us on 01344 843000 and email us.
THE RISING DEMAND FOR ENERGY-EFFICIENT HOMES
We have seen a significant increase in the number of buyers seeking energy-efficient homes (there are many surveys out there also backing this). This growing trend indicates to us that energy efficiency is not just a passing fad but a critical consideration for buyers looking for the right property to offer on. This shift in buyer priorities can be attributed to several factors, such as;
Increasing cost of energy – rising energy costs are driving buyers to seek homes that can reduce their energy consumption and lower their bills.
Heightened environmental awareness – as awareness of environmental issues grows, more buyers are prioritising sustainable living and doing their bit for the environment.
Government regulations – stricter regulations on carbon emissions are encouraging buyers to consider the longer-term benefits of energy-efficient homes.
HOW CAN A SELLER BENEFIT FROM MAKING ENERGY-EFFICIENCY UPGRADES?
You will see a return on investment (ROI) on energy-efficient upgrades when you come to sell your property. The increasing emphasis on energy efficiency in the UK property market presents a golden opportunity for homeowners looking to sell. By making some strategic upgrades before you have your home valued for sale will not only enhance your home’s appeal but also command higher prices and ensure your property holds its value.
Many homeowners don’t know which upgrades are the best to make, or where to start. If you have a valid EPC in place for your property, it will detail the upgrades you could consider making to improve on your current energy efficiency rating.
According to Rightmove, the average energy efficiency rating for properties in the UK is D, and less than half of all homes across England are currently rated EPC band C or above. While that suggests there are many energy inefficient homes around at the moment, it also means there’s lots of opportunity to make even the smallest of green improvements.
Consider making the following upgrades so that your home becomes more desirable and competitive in the market;
Upgrade your insulation – improving a home’s insulation is one of the most effective ways to boost its energy efficiency. A good insulation reduces heat loss during winter and keeps the home cooler in summer, leading to significant savings on energy bills. Common areas for insulation upgrades include the loft, walls, and floors.
Improve windows and doors – double or triple glazing reduces heat loss, improves insulation, and can enhance the overall comfort of your home. Replacing single-pane windows with double or triple glazing and sealing gaps around windows and doors can significantly boost your energy efficiency rating.
Upgrade lighting and appliances – energy-efficient lighting and appliances reduce energy consumption and can lower your utility bills. Replacing traditional incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient LED bulbs and installing modern appliances with high energy-efficiency ratings can make a big difference.
Add some smart home technology – Smart home technology can improve energy management, adding convenience and appeal to your property. Smart thermostats, for example, allow homeowners to control heating and cooling remotely, optimising energy use. Smart meters provide real-time data on energy consumption, helping homeowners manage their energy use more effectively.
Install an energy-efficient heating system – modern heating systems, such as condensing boilers, heat pumps, and underfloor heating, can greatly improve a home’s energy efficiency. These systems are designed to use less energy while providing the same level of comfort, making them attractive to energy-conscious buyers (and people love to walk on a heated floor during a viewing!).
Incorporate renewable energy sources – renewable energy sources, particularly solar panels, are becoming increasingly popular. Solar panels not only reduce reliance on grid electricity but can also generate an income through schemes such as; the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), where homeowners are paid for excess energy they export to the grid.
Sell your home faster with energy upgrades
Properties with energy-efficient upgrades are now more likely to sell quicker and fetch higher prices in the market. If you have any energy-efficiency upgrades or features within your property we do recommend adding them to your property listing.
Energy-efficient homes offer buyers the promise of lower energy bills and a reduced carbon footprint, making them a wise investment for the future. As energy prices continue to be high and environmental regulations become more stringent, the demand for energy-efficient properties is set to grow even further.
If you’re considering putting your home on the market, now is the time to invest in making some energy-efficient upgrades, but first find out what your property is worth and how it compares in the local market. If you would like to know what your property is worth today contact us today for a free market appraisal of your home.
GET IN TOUCH
If you are thinking of moving in or out of the area, make sure you take a look at our amazing catalogue of properties for sale in Virginia Water and the surrounding areas. If you’d like to speak to someone about properties to let in Virginia Water, a member of our expert team would be happy to help. You can call us on 01344 843000 or email us. You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
