Survey reveals green credentials of a home are important to tenants in the UK

The green credentials of a rental property is increasingly important for tenants with research revealing that 42% consider how eco-friendly a property is before renting it.

Some 42% of tenant consider the environment important when they are looking for a home while half of those in London believe that green living initiatives are important, according to the study from LSL, Your Move’s sister company.

The survey also highlighted a correlation between the amount of rent paid and the importance of a building’s green credentials. On average, those who pay more rent per month are also more likely to consider a building’s environmental credentials important, with 63% of correspondents who pay between £1,351 and £1,600 per month expressing this view, compared to only 37% of those paying £350 or less.

Along with the building’s environmental impact, green spaces were also an important consideration for many tenants. Some 32% were interested in a communal garden and 30% were willing to pay more for a vegetable allotment.

‘Whether it’s to reduce their energy consumption, save money or make a positive impact on the environment, it’s good to see that tenants consider the greenness of a building an important factor in their rental decision,’ said Martyn Alderton, national lettings director at Your Move and Reeds Rains.

‘As we continue to build more and more homes for our growing population, it’s vital that we do whatever we can to create a more sustainable future for our planet and use our resources as carefully as possible,’ he added.