NHBC report says home buyers see low carbon features as 'deal-breakers'

Potential house buyers are likely to reject zero carbon homes because of concerns over cost, value and low carbon features including the lack of power showers or gas appliances.


Innovation Park, Watford
Low energy homes at the BRE's Innovation Park

A detailed report from the National House Building Council’s research foundation, which spoke to 500 homeowners and 100 housebuilders, finds that homeowners saw many low carbon features as “deal-breakers” which would stop them buying a particular home.

For example 76% of respondents said they would be put off by the “airtightness” required for zero carbon housing.

In addition only 6% said they would pay the £35,000 extra estimated by the government for a zero carbon home, which would generate energy bill savings of just £400.

Postscript

Full details of the report are contained in this Friday’s Building magazine.

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