When you’re on the hunt for a new home, the most common things you might focus on are generally location, budget, size and layout. However, with rising utility costs, growing awareness around environmental protection, and demand from future buyers, another important feature to add to your list is likely to be energy efficiency. But how important should it really be in your home decision-making process? Let’s take a further look…
Lower Energy Bills = Long-Term Savings
It’s very likely that utility bills account for a large chunk of your monthly outgoings. Therefore, keeping these costs as low as possible is sure to be high on your priority list. Practicing energy saving habits like turning lights off when you leave a room and taking shorter showers can certainly help to reduce bills, however, the dramatic savings really come into play when you choose a home that’s already prepped for optimum energy efficiency.
Thanks to modern building techniques, improved insulation, double-glazed windows, and high performance appliances, choosing a new build home is likely to be one of the most cost effective ways of ensuring an eco-efficient home. In fact, your energy bills are likely to be 50% lower than they would be if you chose an older property. The HBF (Home Builders Federation) regularly monitors the energy efficiency of new homes and publishes their findings online for you to view.
Comfort & Low Maintenance Living
Beyond the incredible cost savings, energy-efficient homes are often more comfortable to live in, and easier to manage too. And, for many buyers, this is just as important as the cost savings themselves.
Homes with good insulation and double-glazed windows maintain consistent indoor temperatures and are better equipped to handle the British seasons. Therefore reducing cold drafts in winter months, and preventing excess heat in the summer months.
Energy efficient homes are usually much easier to manage too as high-quality windows, appliances, and systems are built to last longer, reducing the need for frequent repairs or replacements. Additionally, if you travel a lot and are looking for a good lock-up-and-leave property, then a new, energy-efficient home is just perfect for this too.
Protecting the World Around You
Environmental impact is also an influencing factor for homebuyers looking to reduce their carbon footprint. Many of us are recognising the need to consume less electricity and fossil fuel, which can in turn help to reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emitted into the environment.
Eco-conscious home buyers are not only appealed by the lower cost, lower maintenance lifestyle – but also the opportunity to contribute to a more sustainable future for new generations to come. It feels good to live in a home that you know has less impact on the environment.
Increased Home Value and Marketability
Energy efficiency is also becoming a key factor in the selling price of homes, with the trend expected to continue into the future. As more people prioritise all the benefits listed above, the more a home’s value will increase accordingly. A recent study showed that this increase could be as much as 14% – depending on the EPC rating of the home.
Buyers who consider energy efficiency now may benefit later if they decide to sell, since the demand for greener homes is expected to rise.
Final Thoughts
So, is energy efficiency important when buying a home? Although the answer depends on your personal priorities in life, for many, the lower energy bills, improved comfort, environmental responsibility, and increased resale value are sure to make it an important consideration. If you’re interested in finding out about our available energy efficient homes, then take a look at our Peter Ward Homes developments now.