In the latest iteration of the NatWest Greener Homes Attitude Tracker, which surveyed around 9,000 adults in the second half of 2024, EPCs ranked higher than public transport links at 40% and local green spaces at 41%.
A further 58% of prospective homebuyers said they would also consider factors like air quality and risk of flooding when viewing a property, showing that homeowners are “increasingly aware of the immediate environment [in which] a property is located”.
The cost of the property stands at 71%, location at 65% and property features at 62%, topping the list for popular considerations, but NatWest said “environmental issues are a very clear and growing consideration for prospective homebuyers”.
Around 60% of homeowners said they have already implemented some form of home improvement to mitigate the environmental impact of their home.
Approximately 37% said they installed electric car charging points, 35% had put in triple glazing and 34% said they had put in solar panels.
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Around 59% of homeowners said they had installed a smart meter, 23% had put in electric boilers and 10% had put in heat pumps.
Cost is still a major barrier, cited by 71% of those who did not make any home improvements, and 32% said they were put off by the disruption of the work.
Lloyd Cochrane, head of mortgages at NatWest Group, said: “It is hugely encouraging to see such a large proportion of the UK population considering how to make their homes more energy efficient and sustainable.
“The research suggests that the UK property market is evolving, and for many, living in as sustainable a property as possible is becoming almost as important as traditional considerations such as price, location, and access to transport links.”
He continued: “Whilst the findings are really promising, we recognise that cost remains one of the biggest barriers for many consumers when it comes to considering green home improvements. We believe that access to these home improvements should be made as accessible as possible.
“At NatWest, we want to help homeowners to improve the energy efficiency and sustainability of their homes. That is why we continue to develop products and services, such as the NatWest Home Energy Hub, which aims [to] help customers to make informed decisions that are right for their family, property, and lifestyle.”
