Making eco-friendly upgrades to your home before putting it on the market can increase its value and appeal to environmentally conscious buyers. With energy costs rising and climate change a growing concern, sustainable living is becoming more popular in the UK. Your property could fetch a higher sale price when you demonstrate a commitment to reducing its environmental impact. Consider these green upgrades that add value for potential buyers:
Install Solar Panels
Adding solar panels to your roof generates renewable electricity from sunlight, reducing grid energy consumption. This appeals to buyers looking to shrink their carbon footprints and electricity bills. Though the upfront cost is significant, solar panels can increase a home’s value by around 4%. With solar electricity prices guaranteed by the government’s Feed-in Tariff, you can highlight this as a money-saving feature.
Upgrade Insulation
Improving your home’s insulation makes it more energy efficient. Fill wall cavities, insulate lofts to recommended depths and install double glazing to retain heat in winter and keep things cool in summer. With savings of up to £180 per year on energy bills, according to the Energy Saving Trust, better insulation offsets the upgrade costs. List insulation specifications when marketing your property to show buyers the energy savings potential.
Install a Smart Thermostat
Smart thermostats like Google Nest enable homeowners to precisely control the temperature in their home and schedule heating to run only when needed. This prevents energy waste and can reduce bills by 20%. With smart thermostats connected to the internet, buyers can adjust the temperature remotely via an app. Install one before selling and promote the convenience and cost savings.
Choose Sustainable Flooring
When replacing flooring, pick eco-friendly options like bamboo, cork, and wood from certified sustainable forests. These natural materials appeal to buyers concerned about deforestation. Bamboo is a renewable grass that grows rapidly without pesticides, while cork is harvested from tree bark without harming the trees. Both are durable, attractive, and available in a variety of styles.
Install a Heat Pump
Bristol heat pumps are an eco-friendly alternative to gas boilers for home heating and hot water. Rather than burning fossil fuels, they use electricity to extract warmth from the air or ground. Air source heat pumps Bristol are suitable for most homes as an upgrade. With installation costs of £4,000-£8,000, the expense might seem high. However, heat pumps Bristol can slash home carbon emissions and heating bills compared to old boilers. Promote the environmental and financial benefits when selling.
Choose Water-Saving Plumbing
Replacing old showerheads, taps, and toilets with water-efficient models shows buyers your commitment to sustainability. Low-flow showerheads and taps reduce consumption while still providing ample water pressure. Dual-flush toilets include a half-flush option for liquid waste to cut water usage. Install water-saving kitchen appliances like dishwashers too. This enables buyers to shrink their environmental footprint and utility bills.
With eco-upgrades like these, you can sell your home for a higher value and reduce its carbon footprint before moving on. Savvy buyers recognise the environmental and financial benefits of sustainable living features. Get advice from reputable installers on the upgrades that work best in your property. A few key changes could make your home much more appealing in today’s eco-conscious market.
