Property sellers – here’s eight ways to create an eco-friendly home

Much has been discussed about the importance of greater sustainability in the home as of late, with heavy focus on improving our green credentials to lower carbon emissions.

This has been underlined by the government’s pledge to phase out the installation of new gas boilers by 2035, as well as a push to change the energy efficiency of existing and new homes to meet net-zero targets.

Fortunately, there has been a significant rise in buyer interest in the energy efficiency of properties, and green upgrades are helping sellers to pocket up to 16% more for their home, according to Rightmove.

More eco-friendly features in the property means cheaper bills for future homeowners, making it a huge consideration for today’s green-conscious purchasers.

Here at Expose Property, we list some measures you can take to transform your house into an eco-home and attract a wider pool of buyers when you come to sell.

Let the light in

Consider a roof window, sun tunnel or find other creative ways to maximise natural light into your home. The more sunlight can find its way inside, the less need there is for both electric lighting and artificial heating.

Use less gas

Households wishing to reduce their carbon footprint should find ways to use less gas and instead choose clean electricity as their preferred cooking and heating method, if possible.

Install a bidirectional battery

It may sound like science fiction, but rechargeable homes are already a reality. By installing a bidirectional battery your home’s energy can be topped up from the battery of a compatible electric vehicle (EV). The home’s energy needs are then balanced between its solar array, battery and the grid.

Go solar

Solar energy is abundant and photovoltaic panels and arrays have become increasingly cost-effective. It’s said that all available roof space in Britain which is south or south-westerly facing should be utilised for solar energy.

Fully insulate your home

It may sound obvious, but there are still plenty of homes in the UK with poor or even zero insulation, particularly in older properties. Keeping heat inside the house is the simplest thing you can do to vastly improve energy efficiency – and reduce gas and electricity bills.

Get smart

Utilising smart technology in the home allows homeowners to switch energy sources to ensure efficient management of energy flows from solar panels, the grid and from a connected EV. If the grid is constrained, then the car can supply.

The car is used as a balancing mechanism and can discharge when extra is needed but then will be charged when there is an excess on the grid – typically from the solar energy or at night when less electricity is used.

Go triple glazed

Single pane windows used to be the norm and are still in place in thousands of older homes across the UK. But, while double glazing has become standard for all new homes, it’s worth going one step further to be truly efficient.

Triple glazing is much more effective at stopping heat being lost from the home, greatly reducing energy consumption.

Air pumps or underfloor heating

As our homes move towards net carbon zero, you will have less need for central heating. Instead, consider opting for an air source heat pump or underfloor heating which is much more efficient and helps a house to retain heat far longer.

With buyer demand predicted to remain strong well into the new year, it’s still a good time to list your home for sale. These improvements can minimise the amount of energy used and save on energy bills – both of which are a major benefit for buyers.

However, your chosen agent can provide you with additional advice in line with current government guidelines and help to achieve a smooth sale.

Here at Expose Property, we can provide just that, using our experience of listing homes in Beckenham, Penge, Crystal Palace and other places in South East London.

We also offer a free and instant online valuation tool to give you an estimate on how much your home could be worth on the current market.