Homebuyers are placing greater emphasis on how properties cope with extreme heat, according to estate agents in Essex and Suffolk, as temperatures across parts of the UK approach 38C this week.
Estate agents report that prospective purchasers are increasingly asking questions about insulation, ventilation, shading and how well homes remain comfortable during hot weather, reflecting growing awareness of the impact of rising temperatures on residential property.
Philip Boyden, managing director of Boydens, which operates offices in Essex and Suffolk, said buyers have historically focused on energy-efficient boilers, double glazing, insulation and south-facing gardens. However, as the UK experiences increasingly frequent heatwaves, cooling systems may become equally important considerations.
Shift in buyer priorities
The UK recorded its hottest ever temperature in 2022, and periods of extreme heat have become increasingly common since then. British homes have traditionally been designed to retain heat during winter, but many struggle to stay cool during prolonged hot weather.
Boyden said staff across his agency’s offices in Colchester, Kelvedon, Frinton-on-Sea and Sudbury had observed a marked increase in buyer enquiries about how homes cope during periods of hot weather. Common concerns include south-facing rooms becoming excessively warm in summer, the need for home offices to remain comfortable during high temperatures, bedrooms overheating during heatwaves, and modern energy-efficient homes retaining heat for longer periods.
Market impact
Currently, air conditioning is unlikely to add significant value to a property’s valuation on its own, according to Boyden. However, it can differentiate a property from competing homes, particularly in the upper end of the market. For buyers viewing multiple properties during hot weather, a comfortably cooled home can leave a lasting impression.
In certain property types, including modern apartments and new build properties, air conditioning may increasingly be viewed as a desirable feature rather than an optional extra. Features such as air conditioning, air source heat pumps with cooling capability, solar shading, modern ventilation systems and smart climate control technology could become more influential over the coming decade.
Across Essex and Suffolk, more homeowners are installing air conditioning units, particularly in loft conversions, garden offices, new-build homes and principal bedrooms. While buyers are not currently paying substantial premiums specifically for air conditioning, many appreciate the comfort, convenience and futureproofing it provides, according to the agency.
The trend reflects broader shifts in the UK property market, where buyer priorities continue to evolve in response to changing climate conditions and working patterns.
