We all want to boost the value of our home. Here are five additions which will add £10k and make your property more energy efficient
Energy efficient homes are attractive for many reasons. Not only are they kinder to the planet but they can help us reduce our energy bills.
It’s no wonder then that homes with all the latest green upgrades can attract a higher selling price – as much as £10k, according to one expert.
Ryan Willdig, sustainability expert at solar panel installer, Heatforce, said: “We’re seeing more and more buyers enquiring about solar panels, heat pumps and Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings.
“It’s great as it’s showing that awareness is spreading among homebuyers with-regard-to future-proofing their home, how much money they can save someone in the long-run, and how much better these changes are for the environment.”
As well as installing solar panels, there are other ways you can improve energy efficiency in your home. Here, Willdig offers five ideas…
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Install solar panels
Many people are put off installing solar panels because of the upfront cost. However, they could add value further down the line.
Willdig explained: “Solar panels can cost anywhere from £5,000 to £10,000, depending on the size of a property, but research has shown that you can add 10% to 14% to your asking price, and it’s appealing to those that are planning to move into your property as their forever home.
“The return often greatly outweighs the outlay.”
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Add battery storage
Battery storage units allow you to store unused energy for use at a later date. If you have solar panels, they often produce more electricity than you need, and battery storage can come in very handy indeed.
Willdig said: “By pairing solar panels with battery storage, you’re maximising energy efficiency, and can save more money on your monthly bills.
“This is what’ll be appealing to potential buyers, being able to save on the monthly electricity bills, especially with more people working from home and utilising electricity during the day.
“Likewise – it gives you a sense of independence. Independence from the sort of price-gouging we saw in the Pandemic and an opportunity to generate and keep more of your energy.”
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Improve your home’s insulation
Even with technological advancements, good old fashioned home insulation is still a great way to make your home energy efficient.
“There are lots of different types of insulation to install in your home, said Willdig, “everything from loft insulation to underfloor options.
“Improving the thermal performance of your home is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to boost efficiency, which then translates into buyer confidence.
“Buyers often look at what types of insulation are already installed around the house and it’s definitely one to prioritise.”
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Fit an EV charging point
With rising numbers of motorists owning an electric or hybrid car, Willdig said it makes sent to fit an EV charging point.
“More and more people will be looking for EV charging ports so that they can charge their cars overnight,” he added. “With initial costs starting from around £900, it’s not the biggest cost that your home could face when you know it could help you sell your home quicker, and for more money.”
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Boost your EPC rating
Every home sold must have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) which rates the energy efficiency from A (the highest) to G (the lowest).
Homes with higher EPC ratings can be more popular, particularly as some mortgage lenders are beginning to offer ‘green mortgages‘ with advantageous rates or deals for people buying homes with higher ratings.
Willdig said: “There are so many small switches that you can make to boost your EPC rating. Some of these may just be sealing up some draughts, adding thermostatic radiator valves or switching to LED lighting. These three things alone can change your rating and potentially add value to your property price.”
