Top 10 ways to increase the sustainability & value of your home

Cluttons has spotted a huge surge in searches for “sustainable home  trends”, with the term having 150% increase over the past year, this increase mirrors the ongoing discussions about how we all need to start taking more responsibility for the environment.

To uncover the top 10 most popular features and modifications homeowners are adding to their current properties to make them more sustainable we’ve analysed Google search data.

Ranked: the most popular sustainable features and modifications for homeowners

Sustainable Feature/Modification	Average Monthly Searches
Led Lighting	823,000
Solar Panels	823,000
Smart Thermostats	74,000
Green Walls	49,500
Insulated Windows	27,100
Rainwater Harvesting Systems	12,100
Energy Efficient Appliances	3,600
Permeable Driveways	3,600
Composting System	1,600
Native Landscaping	1,600

1. Led Lighting – LED lighting is sustainable due to its energy efficiency, lasting up to 25 times longer than traditional bulbs.
2. Solar Panels – Solar panels harness sunlight to generate clean energy, reducing reliance on non-renewable resources.
3. Smart Thermostats – Smart thermostats optimize heating and cooling by learning user preferences and adjusting settings, accordingly, saving energy and costs.
4. Green Walls: Green walls use plants to improve air quality, insulate buildings, and enhance aesthetics. They work by planting vegetation vertically on a support structure.
5. Insulated Windows: Insulated windows prevent heat transfer, keeping interiors comfortable and reducing reliance on heating and cooling systems.
6. Rainwater Harvesting Systems: Rainwater harvesting systems collect and store rainwater for various non-potable uses, conserving water resources.
7. Energy Efficient Appliances: Energy-efficient appliances consume less energy while performing tasks effectively.
8. Permeable Driveways: Permeable driveways allow rainwater to infiltrate the ground, replenishing groundwater and reducing runoff.
9. Composting System: Composting systems turn organic waste into nutrient-rich compost, reducing landfill waste and methane emissions.
10. Native landscaping: Native landscaping is sustainable by using locally adapted plants that require less water and maintenance. They work by promoting biodiversity and reducing the need for irrigation and pesticides.

Sustainable features and modifications can increase property value

In addition to the environmental advantages they bring, sustainable homes also present financial benefits by providing lower bills through the utilization of efficient technologies such as solar panels and energy-efficient appliances.

Opting to move to a more sustainable property is not necessarily the most environmentally friendly approach, and for many, it is not a feasible choice due to practical and financial limitations.

Fortunately, homeowners have the option to make modifications and adaptations to maximize the sustainability of their current homes. Some of these features can also increase the value of a property with solar panels adding around 4 %, LED lighting a 3% increase and insulated windows potentially raising value up to a massive 10%.

Homeowners should consider sustainable and eco-friendly home modifications because they not only contribute to reducing their carbon footprint, but they can also lead to long-term financial savings. These modifications, such as energy-efficient appliances, solar panels, and improved insulation, can significantly lower bills over time, easing the financial burden on homeowners. As the demand for environmentally conscious homes grows, these modifications can enhance property value and marketability.

Sources
https://www.theecoexperts.co.uk/solar-panels/property-value
https://www.arrowelectricals.co.uk/blog/howto-boost-your-property-value-with-new-led-downlights/
https://www.sehbac.com/blog/much-value-double-glazing-add-home#:~:text=Research%20has%20illustrated%20that%20the,need%20to%20replace%20them%20themselves.