A survey of just over 2,000 home owners suggests most know that adding energy efficient features to their home won’t actually push up its value.

The survey by the Nationwide suggests only 22% of those who have improved energy efficiency in the past decade say the main reason was to ‘increase the property’s value’, with just 7% doing so as part of preparations for a sale.

Of homeowners who have improved energy efficiency, enhanced insulation and upgrading to energy-saving windows and doors were the main specific measures.

Just over half (55%) of those making energy efficiency improvements had added solar panels and had done so within the last two years. This also tended to be the most expensive work undertaken, with an average spend of around £11,000, compared to around £4,000 for those improving insulation.

Meanwhile, a quarter (25%) had added a heat pump (either air source or ground source). Over two thirds (68%) of these were installed within the last two years, perhaps reflecting increased public awareness and government incentives. 

Newer properties, particularly those built from 2011 onwards, were more likely to have had a heat pump installed.

The main reasons cited for making green improvements were to reduce energy bills (60%) and to make their home more comfortable (48%). 

Nearly three quarters (73%) said they had seen energy bills fall as a result of the improvements they made. 

This chimes with data from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, which suggest calculated fuel costs for a property rated A, B or C are around £400 per year lower versus a D-rated property and £1,200 per year lower than an E-rated property.

Some 77% say they are more likely to remain in their current property longer as a result of the improvements they had made.

Of those who have not made green improvements, the most commonly cited reason is they cannot afford the upfront cost (54%).