Three quarters (75%) of Brits who want to sell are considering upgrading energy efficiency ratings in order to achieve a higher sales price, research from home efficiency platform Snugg has found.
What is more, almost two-thirds (61%) of likely sellers have previously researched government grants for home heating improvements but were confused about their eligibility.
This signals that, despite Rishi Sunak watering down of the UK’s green responsibilities last week, many homeowners see the value in upgrading their properties.
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme – which provides grants of up to £7,500 towards the cost of installing a heat pump – is one example of non-means-tested government assistance for green home improvement.
Almost seven-in-10 likely sellers (68%) say they would never make energy improvements to their home without a government grant, and believe that the government should cover the cost of replacing gas boilers with heat pumps.
Robin Peters, chief executive of Snugg, said: “Sellers’ lack of access to available information on home energy efficiency changes risks slowing an already spluttering property market – with home energy efficiency improvements known to increase value by up to £15,000.
“At the same time, homes in the UK rank amongst the worst in Europe for energy efficiency – responsible for more than a fifth of the UK’s CO2 emissions.
“Its little wonder people are confused when current grant schemes are uncoordinated and the government’s ever-shifting position on net zero provides little certainty or clarity to homeowners.
“It’s vital that we ensure everyone has access to the knowledge needed for simple and affordable home changes that can both help boost the property market and accelerate our transition to net zero.”
