Thinking of buying your next property with a focus on sustainability?
If so, you might just be getting ready to make a profit in the next ten years or so. It’s estimated that at least 80% of first-time buyers are likely to consider a green home, so there’s a clear trend towards greener homes making a strong impression.
Keen to learn more? Whether you’re moving house or building your portfolio, it’s worth learning why and how to choose an eco-friendly home.
Why is it worth buying a sustainable home?
Investing in an eco-friendly property brings a multitude of benefits – for you and the planet too.
Firstly, sustainable homes are specifically developed to keep environmental impact to a minimum. With specific power-saving features and energy-efficient technologies installed, these homes can be heated and lived in more sustainably. By reducing dependence on the power grid and non-renewable resources, these homes lower household builds for families – and long-term savings for homeowners. When it comes to prospective homeowners, one recent study found that two thirds seek a property with green technology installed. Investing in a sustainable home not only boosts its potential value but futureproofs it, ready to meet market demand for years to come.
How should you buy and renovate sustainability?
Buying a home and upgrading it with eco-credentials requires careful planning, real patience, and informed decision-making. Before you start working on this project, it’s prudent to seek professional advice from surveyors and architects. A few of the non-negotiable actions should be to:
- Install sustainable heating systems
Renewable heating systems like solar panels and air source heat pumps give a property an obvious advantage over fossil-fuel-powered neighbours. Plus, you could be eligible for government grants to offset the costs of installations – and get money back sooner.
In the place of renewable energy systems where they’re not viable, combi boilers make a cost-effective choice. Providing hot water only as and when you need it, combi boilers harness the heating powers of gas but burn it efficiently. This leads to lower carbon emissions and reduced energy consumption.
- Take water use seriously
Water is a finite resource, but this fact is sadly overlooked in many contemporary housing developments. Whether you’re buying or renovating, you should look for any small changes you can make to help reduce water uses.
From repairing leaky, dripping taps to installing water-saving shower heads, there are so many ways to reduce water use without affecting lifestyle needs inside the property. In the garden, collecting rainwater can be an effective way to maintain outdoor space without drawing from the local supply.
- Use electricity sparingly
Lastly, it’s worth remembering that reducing electricity use is essential in an eco-friendly home.
Install energy-efficient appliances wherever possible, using the grading system on the labels to inform your buying decisions. These keep power demands and therefore costs lower for families, leaving more spending power elsewhere. If you’re living in the property, make sure to turn off gadgets and unplug outlets when they’re not in use.
Wherever you can, try to limit or stop your electricity use. You can still stay connected and build a brilliant, eco-friendly home without relying entirely on the grid.
Photo credit: 1, 2, header image
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