Landlords with an eye to optimising capital appreciation ought to be considering the sustainability features of properties, Rightmove has suggested.

The portal has contributed to a report by Hive – part of British Gas – suggesting that in a decade’s time, homes with eco-credentials such as Electric Vehicle Charging Points are set to attract a nine per cent premium when sold. 

With new legislation coming into force in 2030 restricting the sale of new petrol and diesel cars – accelerating awareness of green issues – Hive says it’s already clear that home owners and landlords are looking to future proof their homes. 

It says the surge in at home charging may be being fuelled by a desire for more accessible charging points – with the Public Accounts Committee stating the 2030 target could be in jeopardy unless more is done to improve the charging infrastructure in the UK. 

Hive claims that its latest survey of long-term home buyer intentions suggests people will pay almost £22,000 more for a home fitted with all the sustainable trimmings such as solar panels and heat pumps. 

Tim Bannister, director of data at Rightmove, says:  “One of the clear driving forces behind the continued rise of property prices in 2021 has been a new focus from buyers about what one’s home needs to provide, from gardens to additional space to work from home. 

“As we look ahead, it’s very likely that a home’s sustainability credentials will join the list of new priorities that buyers are considering. 

“If there are affordable options for homeowners to make their homes greener, then they could become a more commonplace and practical addition to many homes and have the potential to command a premium and provide an additional selling point for homes in the future.” 

Americo Lenza of British Gas adds: “With the ban on new petrol and diesel vehicles on the horizon, many people are considering how to make the switch to electric. And as we head towards net zero, it’s likely that smart charging as part of a wider home energy eco-system, will increasingly become the norm, as people look to make homes more sustainable.”