British Consumers Prioritize Style Over Sustainability, But Ultimately Invest £16K in Making Homes More Energy-Efficient

New study conducted by Hive, the UK’s leading eco-tech brand, reveals a disconnect between Brits’ desire for sustainable homes and their actual house-hunting habits. While a majority (75%) prioritize “kerb appeal” over sustainability, a third (34%) of buyers do not check a property’s energy rating before making a purchase.

Scarlette Douglas, a property expert who has partnered with Hive, emphasizes the importance of considering energy-saving and smart home features when purchasing a home. She notes that buyers are often drawn in by aesthetics and overlook crucial features that could save them thousands in the long run.

According to the research, nearly a quarter (23%) of buyers are more concerned with impressing passersby and guests, leading them to purchase homes with stylish features that may not be practical or energy efficient. Features such as sweeping driveways (48%), spacious gardens (42%), and plush ensuite bathrooms (40%) have often led buyers to overlook key energy-saving solutions.

While these aesthetic features may make homes visually appealing, the majority of buyers (83%) who were swayed by style later regretted their purchase due to unforeseen costs or maintenance expenses. In fact, nearly two-thirds (63%) admitted that eco-friendly features only became a priority after moving in, resulting in an average spending of £16,750 on upgrades to make their homes more energy-efficient.

Despite a majority (91%) of Brits believing that estate agents should highlight eco-tech features during property viewings, sustainability often takes a backseat to kerb appeal. Even though energy-saving solutions have the potential to save homeowners thousands in the long run, they continue to rank lower in buyer priorities compared to aesthetic features like kitchen islands and original fireplaces.

However, there is a shift towards a greener future, with 70% of buyers believing that a home can be both stylish and sustainable. In fact, three-quarters (75%) are willing to pay more for a property with built-in eco-tech.

When given £10,000, nearly a quarter (23%) of buyers said they would invest it in smart and eco-friendly upgrades, indicating a growing awareness of sustainability’s long-term benefits. The most sought-after eco-tech features include energy-efficient windows and insulation (64%), solar panels (51%), smart thermostats (41%), and heat pump systems (29%).

Scarlette Douglas warns that overlooking sustainable features can be a costly mistake and encourages buyers to prioritize eco-tech, insulation, damp-proofing, and smart home functionality over short-term aesthetics to ensure their dream home is both stylish and sustainable.

Tom Pakenham, Commercial Director at Hive, comments on the research, stating that while stylish interiors are an important part of the house-hunting process, more people are considering smart home technology and its potential to make homes more energy-efficient and cost-effective. He emphasizes that smart home technology should be at the heart of every property purchase, with Hive’s eco-tech solutions, such as solar panels, heat pumps, and EV chargers, helping homeowners take control of their energy use and save money and carbon in the process.

Outside of the property, the research shows that the top considerations for buyers include researching the neighborhood (40%), average house prices (16%), and whether the property is freehold or leasehold (13%). Only 5% consider the potential for renovation when making a purchase.

Property expert Scarlette Douglas shares the top ten most important things to consider when purchasing a home, emphasizing that fancy light fittings and shower heads should not be the top priorities. These include checking the EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) rating, asking about smart tech features, inspecting windows and doors, assessing insulation, looking at the boiler and heating system, asking about renewable energy options, checking the house’s orientation, considering building materials, looking beyond the kitchen island, and investigating water efficiency.

The top priorities for Brits when house-hunting, according to the research, include a driveway (48%), a spacious garden (42%), and an ensuite bathroom (40%). Other sought-after features include open plan kitchen and living space (35%), a walk-in wardrobe (33%), and a large utility room (32%). The list also includes skylights (29%), old-style cottages (27%), original fireplaces (26%), and high ceilings (25%).

Distributed by https://pressat.co.uk/