Green energy 'boosting house prices'

Some new homes which are supplied by green electricity could find that their building cost increases by up to 30 per cent, it has been claimed.

Experts at the Swindon office of property Consultants Kings Sturge have said this is the amount by which some homes in the south-west of England may rise in cost because of their green energy credentials, reports Wiltshire Business Online.

Partner at the branch Will Ricks stated: "A ten per cent renewable energy figure is becoming more widespread and several councils are looking at doubling the demand."

The requirements to build green energy into new developments may be problematic for builders, but those who choose to self build their homes may find the installation of home renewable devices high desirable, both as a way of saving electricity bills and of preserving the environment.

Householders wanting to add green energy devices to their properties can seek grants via the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform's low carbon buildings programme, the Energy Savings Trust states.