Energy efficient homes have always been an attractive choice for home buyers, but they have become increasingly popular in recent years, especially now, as the cost of energy continues to rise. In the current challenging market conditions, energy efficient homes are outperforming other properties, with six out of 10 estate agents saying that homes with high energy efficiency ratings are holding their value.

Meanwhile, four out of 10 agents are reporting more interest from potential buyers in energy efficient homes. As the average household has seen its gas and electricity bill double from £1,277 per year at the start of 2022 to £2,500 now, buyers are becoming more conscious of energy costs when making moving decisions.

Moreover, banks and building societies are also factoring in energy costs when assessing whether people can afford a mortgage. If a lender believes that a person's budget is too tight to cope with future increases in energy costs, they may only be prepared to lend a lower amount.

On the other hand, if a home has a high energy efficiency rating, indicating that it costs less to run and heat, the lender is less likely to be concerned about the impact of future gas and electricity price rises.

Properties are given an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating, which rates their energy efficiency on a scale from A to G, with A being the most efficient and G being the least efficient. While 80% of new-build homes have an EPC rating of A or B, only 3% of older properties have a rating this high. As a legal requirement, an up-to-date EPC rating is necessary for selling or renting a property.

Making your home more energy efficient can be a great way to save money on your energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint. Here are some tips for improving the energy efficiency of your home:

1. Insulate your loft and walls: Installing insulation in your loft will prevent up to 25% of heating from being lost through the roof, while cavity wall insulation will help to stop 35% of heat from being lost.
2. Upgrade windows and doors: Installing double or triple glazed windows or replacing an old door with a new energy-efficient one can significantly improve the energy efficiency of your home.
3. Replace your boiler: Replacing an old boiler with a new energy-efficient one can greatly reduce your energy bills and improve the overall energy efficiency of your home.
4. Install energy-efficient lighting: Switching to energy-efficient light bulbs such as LED or CFL can significantly reduce your energy usage and bills.
5. Seal any air leaks: Sealing gaps around windows, doors, and other areas where air can escape can greatly improve the energy efficiency of your home and reduce heating costs.
6. Use a programmable thermostat: A programmable thermostat allows you to control the temperature of your home when you are not there, helping to reduce energy usage and costs.
7. Consider alternative energy sources: Investing in alternative energy sources such as solar panels or wind turbines can significantly reduce your energy bills and carbon footprint.
8. Maintain your heating system: Regular maintenance of your heating system, such as cleaning filters and checking pipes, can improve its efficiency and help you save money on your energy bills.

There are many steps small and large that you can take to make your home energy efficient. At Seths, our dedicated sales team will work with you and guide you through every step of the process to ensure a successful sale of your home. 

To speak with our sales team, please call us on 0116 266 9977.