Which eco-friendly home improvements add the most value?

1) Solar Panels

It is reported that a huge 1.2 million households across the UK have invested in solar panels. Though the initial financial outlay can be off-putting for many homeowners, the rewards are great, with solar panels saving households up to 62% off their energy bills.

But it doesn’t stop there. Recent studies by EffectiveHome.co.uk have shown that solar panels raise a home’s value by up to 14% - a huge increase! And not only do homes with solar panels generally sell for more money, but they have also historically sold faster than similar homes without solar panels [Greenlancer] In addition to this, solar panels improve a property’s EPC score, making it more desirable as people know they will save money on their future energy bills.

2) Energy-efficient windows and doors

Replacing old, inefficient windows and doors with energy-efficient ones can reduce your heating bills by up to 50% and improve the overall comfort of your home, making it more attractive to potential buyers.

Though it may not be the most noticeable home improvement, window replacement ranks among the top ten home improvements that increase property value, with up to 100% return on investment in some cases. As an example, spending £5,000 on new, energy-efficient windows could lead to an expected value increase of around £10,000 [Windows Guru].

3) Air and Ground Source Heat Pumps

Popular among the eco-minded, heat pumps offer a greener alternative to fossil fuel-based heating systems such as gas boilers. In addition to cutting your home’s carbon emissions by up to 90%, a recent study has found that installing a heat pump may increase your property value by up to 3%, which is roughly £8000 based on average UK house prices [WWF].

The government are also offering the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, where you could be eligible for a grant of up to £7,500 towards the installation of an air or ground source heat pump, making heat pumps an increasingly attractive home improvement.

Installation of a heat pump also has a positive impact on your home’s EPC rating, which in turn can increase the value of your property. A good EPC rating can boost the value of your home by up to 20% [Greenmatch].

4) EV charging station

The number of electric car owners has increased substantially over the past few years and continues to rise as people have become more aware of their carbon footprint and environmental impact. That, combined with the fact that the government plans to prohibit the sale of new petrol and diesel cars in the UK by 2030, makes adding an EV charging station to your home a sensible investment.

It is estimated that adding an EV charging station adds 2% – 2.75% to the value of your property, translating to £5,900 - £8,112.50 based on the UK property value average. Considering that installing an EV charger requires an initial investment of approximately £1000, this is one of the simplest yet most financially rewarding eco-friendly home improvements you can make in 2024.

Conclusion

The benefits of making eco-friendly home improvements stretch much further than being better for our planet and cutting energy bills; research has consistently shown that these home improvements can add substantial value onto your home. From a full solar panel system with battery storage to a single EV charger, there is something for every budget. And with prospective buyers being more environmentally conscious than ever, there has never been a better time to invest in eco-friendly home renovations.

If you require professionals to get started on your next exciting home renovation project, don’t forget to look into an Insurance backed Guarantee and deposit protection scheme from a CPA registered tradesperson.