British Gas finds that half of home buyers overlook energy efficiency in favour of property aesthetics

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Half of home buyers admit they can't look past the aesthetics of a new property – but have regretted giving little or no thought to the energy rating.

A poll of 1,000 adults who have relocated in the past five years revealed the most common considerations when looking to buy or rent, pitting green spaces against green features. 

Property size came top and garden space followed closely behind, with other important factors including local amenities, broadband availability and decent neighbours.  

But after focusing so much on the aesthetics of a property, 38 per cent admitted they wished they had taken the energy efficient features more seriously when initially viewing a place.

With a robust heating system (38 per cent), EPC rating (31 per cent) and high-quality insulation (31 per cent) all featuring lower in the list than having a driveway and internal storage space.

The research, commissioned by British Gas, also revealed the time of year impacts the things people look for when moving home, with 73 per cent likely to check the heating system of a property in winter, but only 39 per cent in the summer.

Similarly, 64 per cent would make sure they considered the health of the boiler in winter compared to only 44 per cent in the summer.

But two thirds feel their home moving preferences have changed over the years due to a better understanding of properties (47 per cent), having kids (32 per cent) and caring more about the planet (13 per cent).

Peter Knowles, service and repair engineer for the home services provider, said: “Whether renting or buying, moving home is a huge financial and emotional commitment and choosing the right property can be overwhelming, with so many different things to consider.

“While we understand how important the aesthetics and curb appeal of a property are, it’s concerning to see that these factors often come above energy efficiency when deciding on a new home.

“We’d encourage people to always check the energy efficiency of their potential new home before they make a decision.

“This includes the quality of insulation throughout the property, the health of the boiler and general heating system, and the overall EPC rating.

“Prioritising these checks can help avoid large, costly repairs down the line while also reducing bills in the long term.”

The study also found 36 per cent admitted they aren’t confident on how to check heating systems in the first place.  

Almost three quarters (73 per cent) have sought a second opinion on a property due to lack of confidence, with 31 per cent roping in their partner and 24 per cent seeking guidance from a friend in the trades.

While the research suggests home movers often place more importance on cosmetic factors than energy efficiency, 71 per cent of those polled said the eco factors of a property have become more important to them in the past decade.

Almost two thirds (64 per cent) would even pay more for a place which is already energy efficient.

Factors movers didn’t check when choosing a property and later regretted not doing so included the age and quality of the electrics (14 per cent) and boiler service history (14 per cent).

The OnePoll study found since moving into their new place, 34 per cent have added a smart meter, while 34 per cent have updated the boiler and 22 per cent have replaced radiators.

TOP 40 PRIORITIES WHEN MOVING HOME:

1.     Property size

2.     No signs of mould/damp

3.     Garden size

4.     Double glazed windows

5.     Local amenities nearby

6.     A driveway

7.     Plenty of parking space

8.     Decent neighbours

9.     Internal storage space

10.  Natural lighting/big windows

11.  Broadband availability

12.  Age and condition of the roof

13.  Quality heating system

14.  A garage

15.  Multiple toilets

16.  The distance from the property to my place of work

17.  Suitable for pets

18.  EPC rating

19.  High quality insulation

20.  A recently serviced/installed boiler

21.  Future development plans nearby

22.  Having a bus stop nearby

23.  Combi-boiler fitted

24.  Extractor fans in the kitchen and bathroom

25.  External storage space

26.  Energy-efficient fitted appliances

27.  A recently updated fuse box

28.  School catchment area

29.  Characteristic/original features

30.  Recently renovated

31.  A boarded loft

32.  Low-energy heating system installed

33.  UPVC front door

34.  Smart thermostat compatibility

35.  Solar panel installation

36.  Open plan layout

37.  A clear fire escape

38.  LED lighting

39.  Electric vehicle charging point installed

40.  Colour of the front door