Thu 15 May 2008
Homeowners will foot the eco bill, says new report
Over half of homeowners are willing to pay a premium for an eco-home, says a new report out by Knight Frank.The report found that 87% of homeowners would be in favour of retro-fitting green features, while 59% would pay more to buy a greener property. Buyers in favour of eco measures prefer traditional green features, such as double glazing and roof insulation over more technological solutions, says the report.
The report contradicts two recent studies by Savills and the NHBC, which found there is little consumer appetite in the current market for greener properties. The NHBC found that only nine per cent of homeowners interviewed would be prepared to invest £35,000, the full cost of building to Level Six of the Code for Sustainable Homes, in buying an eco-home.
“Over the next decade, we expect to see the three strands of eco-awareness, design quality and place making, combining in terms of market placement,” said Liam Bailey, Knight Frank’s head of residential research. “However, in the short-term, the slowdown in the housing market is causing many, especially first-time buyers, to but affordability above environmental priorities.”
Posted by Marc Da-Silva
in Knight Frank, Liam Bailey, National House Building Council (NHBC), News, Savills on Thu 15 May 2008
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