Sustainability and home value: what does it deliver?
Sustainability plays an increasingly important role in the housing market. Buyers look not only at a home's price, but also at monthly energy costs and living comfort. An energy-efficient home is therefore often more attractive. But which measures are really worth it?
Why sustainability is worthwhile
A well-insulated home is more comfortable: warmer in winter and cooler in summer. The energy bill goes down, and residents notice that immediately. For buyers, a better energy label means lower living costs. With an energy-efficient home, extra borrowing room is sometimes possible too. Have your options calculated via mortgage advice.
Start with insulation
Insulation is usually the most logical first step. Think of roof insulation, cavity wall insulation, floor insulation and insulating glass. By improving the building's shell first, less heat leaks away. Only after that does it make sense to look at a different way of heating.
Solar panels
Solar panels are a familiar step for many homeowners. They generate your own electricity and lower the energy bill. When selling, buyers often see them as a plus. Do keep in mind changing rules for feeding electricity back to the grid. An installer can calculate what panels would yield in your situation.
Heat pump and ventilation
A (hybrid) heat pump can significantly reduce gas consumption, especially in a well-insulated home. Good ventilation is also important: a well-insulated house needs enough fresh air to prevent damp and mould.
The energy label
The energy label shows how energy-efficient a home is. A valid label is mandatory when selling. After taking measures, it can be smart to have your label reassessed, so buyers can immediately see what you've improved. More explanation can be found on our energy label page and in the article energy label when selling.
What does it yield at sale?
How much a sustainability measure yields at sale differs per home and per market. In general: buyers appreciate low living costs and a modern comfort level. A home with a good label stands out among the listings. At the same time, buyers won't repay every investment one to one. So align your choices with your selling plans.
Subsidies and financing
Various national or municipal schemes exist for different measures. These change regularly, so always check the current conditions. When buying, sustainability improvements can sometimes be co-financed in the mortgage.
Sustainability when buying
Buying a home with a less favourable label? Then you can factor sustainability improvements directly into your plans. A buying agent helps you estimate which measures are needed and what that means for your offer. Our colleagues at renovation can give a rough overview of the costs.
Making the right choice together
Want to know how sustainability affects your home's value? Request a free valuation or get in touch for personal advice.
Frequently asked: sustainability first or selling first?
We get this question often. If you plan to sell within a year, quick and affordable measures are usually wisest, such as radiator foil, draught strips, a smart thermostat or floor insulation. Large investments such as a full heat pump don't always pay for themselves with a quick sale. If you're staying for a number of years, you'll benefit yourself from the comfort and lower costs, and a buyer later sees the benefits reflected in the label.