British homeowners want new builds to be ‘eco-friendly’

Following the Government’s commitment to make all new homes have zero carbon emissions by 2016, MORE TH>N insurance reveals research showing that the majority (70 per cent) of homeowners agree that all new builds should be eco-friendly, with just under a fifth (17 per cent) prepared to pay out more for them.

Green issues are now a firm part of the homemover’s agenda. A fifth of those questioned would specifically look for green features in a new house, and almost a third (31 per cent) claim that if they did move, they would invest time and money from the outset to make environmental improvements to their new home.

Almost a third (31 per cent) would pay up to £500 making their homes greener, a further fifth (18 per cent) would spend between £500 and £1,000 and one in ten would pay over £1,000. Eight out of ten would consider making environmental improvements to their homes if they could get a reduction in their council tax, and a third (29 per cent) would if they could get lower mortgage rates.

Housing and Planning minister Yvette Cooper said: "It is great that consumers are embracing green measures and seeking better information about the eco credentials of their homes. From this June every home that is bought and sold will have to have an Energy Performance Certificate setting out A-G ratings on the carbon emissions and energy efficiency of the home and savings that can be made on bills. There is also great potential to link energy performance certificates with green mortgages where home buyers could get top up loans at preferential rates to complete energy efficiency improvements. I hope this is something industry will look at in the future.”

Commenting on the research, Mike Holliday-Williams, managing director of MORE TH>N, said: “It’s encouraging to see that green living has become a priority amongst British homeowners as well as the Government. Making new-build homes eco-friendly is a step towards making all home owners more environmentally aware. It’s important that the support for ‘green’ initiatives continues and that house builders listen to consumer demand.”

When it comes to their current properties, over half of those questioned (54 per cent) believe they already have an ‘eco-friendly’ house. One in four (28 per cent) has already made environmental improvements to their homes including: recycling, using energy-efficient light bulbs and renewable energy, putting in solar thermal hot water systems, and using natural materials in the building and decoration of their homes.