UK house prices may have gone up slightly in recent months despite pre-Budget uncertainty, but various economic pressures mean that many of us are choosing to improve our homes rather than move. Equally, renovations put you in a stronger position when the time comes to sell, since they should enhance the value of your property.
That’s because more UK homebuyers are looking to live somewhere that’s gentle on the environment as well as being friendly to their wallets. Upgrades which boost energy efficiency don’t just bring bills down, saving money in the long run; they help you live more sustainably while appealing to prospective purchasers who want to enjoy the same benefits. So you’ll potentially enhance the price you can ask for your property.
And some of these upgrades can be more cost-effective than you may have realised, especially given the long-term potential savings.
Here are some ideas:
1.) Windows and insulation
For a start, new windows boost what estate agents like to call kerb appeal, or first impressions of a place, as formed by looking at it from the outside. Conversely, windows which are old or have fallen into disrepair will put viewers off.
From a functional point of view, updated windows and insulation mean you stay cosier in the coldest months, cool in summer.
Updating windows can also boost your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating, which will go down well with buyers.
Having A-rated double-glazed panes (the most energy-efficient model available) could save £120 annually while reducing carbon emissions. Around a quarter of heat is lost through a building’s roof. So insulate your loft properly. While wall insulation is more of an investment, the resulting savings could be significant.
2.) Solar panels
These are hugely popular eco-friendly upgrades. And according to one major online property portal, fitting them could add nearly a fifth (16%) to what your property is potentially worth. You may not realise that solar panels even function on overcast days – plus you can keep any energy you don’t use in a battery (possibly using it later to fire up an electric vehicle), or sell it back to the grid.
So, in a nutshell, bills come down and you rely less on standard energy sources, while also increasing the value of where you live to prospective future buyers.
3.) Energy-saving lighting and appliances
Switch regular lightbulbs for LED versions and spend less on energy while reducing emissions. At the same time, it can be costly to run outdated appliances like fridges and washing machines, rather than newer, more efficient models. Check for the Energy Star rating, which indicates high performance with less power.
4.) Smart home tech
Solutions such as Hive allow you to control your heating remotely from your mobile phone. This means, for example, that you’re not heating an empty house if plans change or you’re held up getting home. Modern homebuyers are increasingly on the lookout for money and energy-saving features such as this.
5.) Water conservation
Try collecting rainwater from the roof in a water butt and use it across your garden to help ease your dependency on mains water. Other water-saving ideas include low-flow showerheads, aerators and dual-flush loos, all of which help you reduce the volume of water you use.
6.) Convert to a heat pump
A heat pump is a low-carbon heating system using electricity to extract and shift around heat from the outside air, ground or water so that you have heat and hot water. Think of it as fridge in reverse! A solution like this could be a great alternative to regular oil or gas boilers, and a heat pump uses electricity to produce multiple units of heat for every energy unit consumed.
Talk to us
Leading independent Salisbury estate agents Carter & May deal with sales, lettings and property purchases. We work across the New Forest, Ringwood, Alderholt, Amesbury and Fordingbridge – we’re all based locally and love where we live!
We’re highly skilled and extensively experienced in what we do. Browse our website and get in touch to discuss eco-friendly features and any other property-related matters – we’re ideally placed to help.