How to add value to your home with sustainable upgrades (according to the experts)

Whether you're about to put your home up-for-sale or you've decided to stay put and ride out the current housing market fluctuations, adding value to your home is always a smart move.

Homeowners are investing in enhancements that not only create a more enjoyable living space but also cater to a growing interest in sustainable living 🌿 and reducing outgoing costs 💰, such as solar panels and electric vehicle chargers.

Leeds-based estate agent and property experts Manning Stainton, have seen homeowners investing in green technology for their homes to increase the resale value of their property. Here's how:

Three ways sustainable upgrades can add value to your home:

1. Go green

Home improvements aren't just for the present; they're for the future too. Google reports that searches for 'solar panels' have grown by over 50% between 2022 and 2023 with installation and equipment becoming more accessible with monthly payments on finance*.

In Leeds, where Manning Stainton are based, the average home saves around £470 a year on their energy bills** by installing solar panels on their home. Whilst a recent study by Admiral Money found that buyers would be willing to pay a 25% premium on homes with solar already installed.

Installing an electric vehicle charging point also appeals to buyers as more people invest in electric vehicles. With egg, you can install an electric vehicle charger from as little as £24 per month.

2. Energy-efficient upgrades

Installing energy-efficient features such as LED lighting, programmable thermostats, and insulation reduces utility costs and adds value to your home by appealing to the environmentally-conscious buyer.

3. Get Smart

Smart home technologies are increasingly important to buyers, not just for the excellent user experience they can provide, but the transparency and control over energy bills and reduction in wasted electricity.

From multi-room music platforms to remotely controlling your heating, lighting and even your dishwasher via an app, small tech upgrades can make a big difference in ticking buyers' boxes.

Expert insights

Mike Hallam, CEO of egg, stated, "Homeowners are seeing the benefit of solar panels and electric car chargers to create energy-efficient homes with added value. They are creating appealing living spaces not just for themselves but for future generations, as the trend for sustainable living grows."

Managing Director of Manning Stainton, Mark Manning added, "Homeowners are investing in improving their homes so a property is worth more when it’s time to sell. An increased number of Leeds buyers are now asking how energy-efficient a property is, with electric vehicle charging points or solar panels becoming more desirable. People are really switched on when it comes to these things now, and having a more eco-friendly home can help clinch a sale."

Fill out our quick questionnaire for your personalised quote on solar and see how much you can save!

**T&Cs apply. 18+. Subject to status. Finance provided by Phoenix Renewables Limited trading as Egg, W6 8BS

**Based on 3500 kwh electricity usage per year, house in Leeds south facing orientation, 30 degree pitch, british gas standard variable tariff (37p pkwh, 4p SEG, standing charge 15.31 per month). 6 panels: £405 est savings, 8 panels: £470  est savings, 10 panels: £537 est savings, 12 panels: £598 est. savings