Green tipped to bring golden rewards

Environmental issues will increasingly play a part in the choices house buyers make in the future, it has been predicted.

The Home Builders Federation director of external affairs, John Slaughter, acknowledged that at present issues such as location, affordability and the number of bedrooms were the prime concerns of those looking for a home, rather than matters such as energy efficiency.

However, he said, in time concerns about climate change, the cost of domestic energy and the awareness raised by the energy performance certificates in home information packs would have an increasing impact.

He commented: "I don't think we are yet in a world where people would rate these kind of benefits [environmental] above those [cost, space and location], but I think they will definitely rise in importance as we move forward."

A growing emphasis on the green credentials of a home may be of concern to those wanting to self build an eco home, as it may make it more desirable if and when it is sold on.

Mr Slaughter's comments come in the wake of the announcement last week by energy provider nPower that it is raising its gas and electricity prices.


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