Why should energy efficiency matter when purchasing a home?

More and more buyers are caring about the energy efficiency of a property when they purchase it.

The cost of living crisis and surge in bills has made this a more prominent thought in people’s minds.

If a home is energy efficent, a lot of money can be saved in the long run.

t’s important to remember that energy bills are going to be with you for the long-term.

A study from Zoopla suggested that the average British homeowner moves home every 23 years.

This should make it even more of a worthy consideration. Investing in an energy efficient property provides protection against future turbulence in energy markets.

You should think seriously about what the fabric of the building is going to give you. That means in terms of economy, but also comfort.

Home Builders Federation report

The report – ‘Greener, Cleaner, Cheaper’ – published by the Home Builders Federation found that:

– Owners of new build houses and flats will save homeowners an average of £435 a year, rising to £555 for new build houses alone, equivalent to the cost of an average Premier League season ticket or a coffee from Pret every working day of the year.

– The average new-build home emits 2.38 tonnes less of carbon each year, around one-third of the carbon produced by the average older property.

– The research shows that despite new build homes being, on average, 7.4% larger than older properties, new homebuyers are still generating valuable savings every month.

And with more lenders beginning to offer green mortgages – such as lower interest rates for buyers of more energy-efficient homes – and stricter requirements for landlords renting out domestic properties, home builders are urging lenders to go further, faster to assist homebuyers in making the right environmental choice.

Factoring into mortgage calculations the lower bills paid by new-build buyers would enable even further savings to be made by buyers.

What can you do to check the efficiency of a property?

Check the EPC Score

This is arguably one of the most important things to check.

The Energy Performance Certificate of a property shows just how efficient it is.

It also shows the make up of the building.

This means you can figure out your own ways to increase insulation.

Do your own energy checks

While the EPC lists building features, there are key areas to check up on when visiting a property. Firstly, insulation.

You can see for yourself that what’s said to be there is indeed there, and also take a look at the age and wear and tear of loft insulation, if the property has an attic space.

Leaking roofs and gutters can allow water to enter walls so check that gutters are clean and there’s no staining on exterior walls.

It’s also well worth checking the windows.

High-quality double gazing would be the best option, but proper sealing to cut cold draughts is a good basic quality to look out for.

The type of thermostats that are installed is also important.

Thermostatic radiator valves, a programmer and a room thermostat, when controlled properly, can save £75 a year in a typical three-bed, gas-heated home.

If the property doesn’t have them, that’s another potential cost to factor in – but you may want to go further and install smart heating controls that can be operated from your smartphone.

Where do we come into the equation?

We specialise in helping people to find energy grants, to help reduce bills.

So for example, if you view a rental property and can see there is a lack of insultion and your landlord won’t provide it.

You can apply for a grant from us to help you do this, however it really should be the landlord’s responsibility.

The first step is to submit an application to start the journey.

Then one of our dedicated advisors can help you to see what grant would be best for you.

As well as helping to source grants, we can also help you with free and impartial advice.

If you’re struggling with bills and energy related costs, please reach out, we do not want you to suffer in silence.

We are here to help you reduce your costs.