'Energy Efficiency' the highest priority for 2026 Home Buyers
While location, asking price and property size remain key factors when making a move, rising energy costs and growing environmental awareness are encouraging households to look more closely at how their homes perform.
According to Rightmove’s 2026 Greener Homes Report, 63% of movers want a home that generates most or all of its own energy, while 53% say recent energy price rises have increased their interest in solar panels and battery storage. Just 8% of respondents would prefer to remain fully reliant on the national grid.
These findings highlight a changing property market in which running costs, energy-saving features and year-round comfort are becoming increasingly important.
For estate agents, vendors, landlords and property investors, this presents both opportunities and challenges. Energy efficiency could influence how attractive a property appears to prospective buyers and tenants, while homeowners may need to consider how their property's energy performance compares with others on the market.
But what does this mean in practical terms, and how can you make informed decisions about your property?
1. The Growing Demand for Energy-Efficient Homes
Energy efficiency is no longer simply an additional benefit. For many people, it is becoming an important part of the property search. Rightmove's research shows that interest in homes with energy-saving technology has increased significantly. Since 2022, references to heat pumps in newly listed properties have risen by 151%, while mentions of solar panels have increased by 94%.
These figures suggest that buyers are paying greater attention to how a property generates, stores and uses energy.
Features such as solar panels, battery storage, modern insulation, efficient heating systems and double glazing can all contribute to a property's overall energy performance. Depending on the home and its existing systems, these improvements may help reduce energy consumption and make household bills more manageable.
However, it is important to remember that the presence of an energy-saving feature does not automatically guarantee lower bills. The actual savings depend on factors such as installation costs, household usage, property condition, energy tariffs and how efficiently the equipment operates.
2. Solar Panels and Heat Pumps: Are They Worth the Investment?
Solar panels and heat pumps are attracting increasing attention as households explore ways to improve energy efficiency and reduce their reliance on traditional energy sources. Solar panels generate electricity from sunlight, potentially helping households reduce the amount of electricity they purchase from the grid. When combined with battery storage, surplus electricity can be stored for later use, depending on the system's design and capacity.
Heat pumps work differently. Rather than generating heat through conventional combustion, they transfer heat from the air or ground into a property. Their efficiency depends on the system, installation, insulation and how the home is heated. Rightmove's analysis found that properties advertised with heat pumps had an average asking price of £545,220, while homes mentioning solar panels averaged £412,901. Both figures were above the reported national average asking price of £367,440.
However, these figures should be interpreted carefully. They are asking-price averages, not proof that installing solar panels or a heat pump directly increases a property's value. Higher-priced homes may be more likely to feature these technologies in the first place. Before investing in energy improvements, homeowners and landlords should consider the upfront cost, likely savings, maintenance requirements and suitability of the property.
3. EPC Ratings: Why Your Property's Energy Performance Matters
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) provides an indication of a property's energy efficiency and typical energy costs. Ratings range from A, the most efficient, to G, the least efficient. Rightmove's Energy Bills Tracker estimates annual energy bills of approximately £706 for an EPC A-rated property, compared with £2,337 across all homes and £6,379 for an EPC G-rated property.
These figures illustrate the potential difference between homes with varying energy performance.
However, they are estimates rather than guaranteed household bills. Actual costs will depend on the property's size, occupancy, heating habits, energy tariffs and other factors. The report also indicates that the proportion of homes achieving EPC C or above has increased over the past five years.
Among properties for sale, the proportion rose from 40% to 49%. In the rental market, it increased from 52% to 61%.
This suggests that energy performance is becoming a more prominent consideration across both the sales and lettings sectors. An EPC is not the only measure of a home's quality, but it can form an important part of the information prospective buyers and tenants use when making a decision.
4. What Does This Mean for Homebuyers?
For homebuyers, purchasing a property involves much more than agreeing on a price and securing a mortgage. The ongoing cost of living in the property should also be part of the decision.
A home with good insulation, an efficient heating system and a strong EPC rating may offer advantages in terms of energy consumption and comfort. These features can be particularly appealing to first-time buyers who need to manage their monthly outgoings carefully.
However, buyers should look beyond the EPC rating alone.
Before making an offer, consider:
- The property's EPC rating: Review the certificate and any recommendations for improvement.
- Heating and insulation: Ask about the heating system, loft insulation, wall insulation and window condition.
- Existing energy technology: Find out whether solar panels or heat pumps are owned, leased or subject to separate agreements.
- Potential improvement costs: Consider whether upgrades may be needed and obtain appropriate quotations.
- Estimated running costs: Use available information as a guide, while recognising that actual bills will vary.
- Future comfort: Consider whether the property is likely to remain comfortable during both colder winters and hotter summers.
A property with a lower EPC rating is not necessarily a poor purchase. It may offer an opportunity to improve the home's performance over time, provided the costs, condition and practical limitations are properly assessed. The key is to understand what you are buying and how the property fits your budget, lifestyle and longer-term plans.
5. What Does This Mean for Vendors Looking to Sell?
For homeowners preparing to sell, energy efficiency could become an increasingly important part of a successful marketing strategy. Buyers are becoming more conscious of monthly household expenses, and features that demonstrate thoughtful maintenance or improved energy performance may help a property stand out.
If your home already benefits from solar panels, modern insulation, an efficient boiler or other energy-saving improvements, make sure these features are accurately represented in the property particulars. Useful information may include the current EPC rating, details of completed improvements, relevant warranties and documentation for installed systems.
However, sellers should avoid making unsupported claims about potential energy savings or the amount by which a feature increases property value.
It is also worth remembering that a good EPC rating cannot compensate for every other factor. Location, presentation, condition, asking price and local demand remain central to a property's appeal.
Should you improve your EPC rating before selling?
Not necessarily. The right decision depends on the property, the local market and the cost of the proposed work. Some relatively straightforward improvements may be worthwhile, while larger projects could be difficult to justify if you intend to sell soon. Before spending money, consider whether the improvement is likely to address a genuine concern among buyers and whether it will make the property easier to market.
6. Hotter Summers: Why Keeping Homes Cool Matters
Energy efficiency is not only about keeping a home warm in winter. As summer temperatures rise, the ability to remain comfortable during hot weather is becoming a more important part of property searches. According to Rightmove's 2026 report, 87% of respondents consider a property's ability to stay cool important, while 45% say their current home struggles during hot weather.
The research also found that searches for properties mentioning air conditioning increased by 104% over the summer compared with the same period the previous year. This suggests that buyers are increasingly thinking about year-round comfort rather than simply looking for a home that retains heat.
However, air conditioning remains a relatively expensive feature in the property market. Rightmove reported an average asking price of £947,509 for homes advertised with air conditioning, significantly above the national average of £367,440. As with the figures for solar panels and heat pumps, this does not mean that air conditioning itself accounts for the difference in asking prices.
Practical ways to improve summer comfort
Depending on the property, measures such as external shading, suitable blinds, effective ventilation, insulation and reducing unwanted solar heat gain may help improve indoor comfort.
Air conditioning may be appropriate for some homes, but installation costs, electricity use, maintenance and suitability should all be considered.
7. New-Build Homes Versus Existing Properties
Rightmove's report highlights a significant difference between the energy performance of new-build and resale homes. According to the research, 89% of new-build properties achieve EPC ratings of A or B, compared with just 6% of resale properties. Almost a quarter of new-build homes achieve an EPC A rating, compared with approximately 1% of resale properties.
These figures indicate that many newer homes benefit from construction standards and building systems designed to improve energy performance. However, buying a new-build still requires careful consideration. Purchase price, location, build quality, warranties, service charges where applicable and the surrounding area's amenities all matter. Existing homes should not be overlooked. A well-maintained older property may offer advantages in location, character, space or value, and some can be improved through suitable energy-saving measures.
The important point is to compare individual properties rather than assume that every new-build will be more economical or every older home will be inefficient. Rightmove also reported regional differences in EPC A-rated new-build homes, with Wales leading at 54%, followed by the North East at 44% and the East Midlands at 31%. These regional figures offer useful context, but local housing stock and individual property characteristics should always be considered when making a purchase decision.
8. The Cost of Going Green: Why Professional Advice Matters
Although interest in energy efficiency is growing, the cost of making improvements remains a significant barrier. Rightmove's research found that 74% of movers want more support for energy-efficiency improvements, yet only 5% of homeowners currently prioritise such work. This highlights a challenge facing the property market: many people recognise the potential benefits of energy-saving measures but are unsure how to pay for them or which improvements should come first.
Installing solar panels, replacing a heating system or improving insulation can involve substantial upfront costs. The right solution will depend on the property's age, construction, existing systems and the household's financial circumstances.
Before committing to major work, it is sensible to:
- Review the property's EPC and recommendations.
- Obtain quotations from appropriately qualified installers.
- Check whether grants or financial support are available and whether you qualify.
- Compare the likely costs with realistic potential savings.
- Check any permissions, warranties, maintenance requirements and restrictions.
- Consider how long you intend to own or let the property.
Professional advice is particularly important because improvements that work well in one property may be unsuitable for another. An estate agent can help explain how energy performance may feature in the local sales or lettings market, how buyers and tenants may view particular features, and how a property compares with similar homes. The goal is not simply to make a property greener. It is to make informed, practical decisions that suit your circumstances.
Final Thoughts: A Greener Future Starts with Informed Decisions
Energy efficiency is becoming more than a desirable extra. As households pay closer attention to energy bills, heating performance and summer comfort, the features and running costs of a property are playing a growing role in the UK housing market. Rightmove's 2026 Greener Homes Report highlights this shift, from increasing interest in solar panels and heat pumps to the differences in estimated energy bills between EPC ratings.
However, every property is different, and there is no single solution that suits every homeowner, landlord, tenant or buyer. The most effective approach is to understand your property's current performance, assess your options carefully and seek appropriate professional guidance before making significant decisions.
Whether you are considering an energy-efficiency upgrade or planning your next property move, taking the time to understand the market can help you move forward with greater confidence.
For advice on your property plans, call us today on 0121 681 6327. Let's discuss your situation and help you take the next step.