Buyers are more energy-conscious than ever in the property market —especially with the cost of energy bills continuing to rise across the UK. Energy efficiency isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a priority for many potential homeowners who are looking to futureproof their purchase and cut down on monthly expenses. It could be the difference that makes a sale.
If you’re planning to put your home on the market, making it more energy efficient could increase its value and make it more appealing to buyers. Let’s look at how you can take steps to do this:
Upgrade Your Insulation
Insulation is one of the most effective ways to reduce heat loss, particularly in older homes. Loft insulation is a great place to start, but don’t overlook cavity wall insulation if your home qualifies. Properly insulating your property can improve its Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating—a key detail buyers often look at, which will give them an idea about bills.
By preventing heat from escaping, insulation helps keep the home warm in winter and cool in summer, making it more comfortable and cheaper to run.
Install Double or Triple Glazing
Windows can lose lots of heat, especially if they’re single-glazed or older units. Upgrading to double or even triple glazing improves energy retention, reduces noise, and enhances security—three things that will be top of buyer priorities.
New window frames have better sealing and insulation, making the whole property feel more airtight and protected.
Switch to LED Lighting
Swapping out traditional bulbs for energy-saving LED lights is a small but impactful thing you can do for an easy and cheap win. LEDs use significantly less electricity and last much longer than other bulbs, which is a small change that shows buyers the home is energy efficient.
It also adds to the overall aesthetic of your home, with cleaner, brighter lighting.
Consider a Smart Thermostat
Smart thermostats let homeowners manage their heating in a more intelligent way, which helps to reduce bills. They can also adjust automatically, making life more convenient.
Installing one before selling shows that the home is not only up-to-date with tech but also helps potential buyers visualise a lower-energy lifestyle.
Upgrade Your Boiler
This can be a more costly tip, but if your boiler is more than 10–15 years old, it may be worth investing in a newer, more energy-efficient model. Condensing boilers are more efficient and can make a noticeable difference to energy bills. It can be a worthwhile investment as it can add value to your property and become a selling point, instead of a sticking point.
Showcase Your EPC
Your Energy Performance Certificate is a legal requirement when selling a home in the UK, but don’t just leave it in the paperwork. Highlight it if it’s good, the improvements you’ve made to boost the rating and be ready to talk about average monthly energy costs. Buyers will be interested in your energy bills so be prepared to answer honestly.
Unfortunately, energy prices are continuing to rise, so today’s buyers are looking beyond what a property looks like —they’re also interested in how affordable a home will be to run. By making your property more energy efficient before selling, you’re not only helping the environment but you’re making it more sellable.
For more tips and advice on buying or selling, get in touch with our team at Home EA today.
