Green Energy Matters For Plot Buyers
The dream of building your own home, the ultimate creation of your own unique personal space, is probably something that most of us have entertained at one time or another. It has always been the case that plot buyers want to personalise their own unique space, but in my role as a plot-buying agent at Recoco Property Search, I have seen how, in recent years, the influence of green energy considerations on buyers of building plots has become increasingly significant. As concerns over climate change and environmental sustainability grow, potential homeowners prioritise eco-friendly features in their property choices.
Green energy matters, such as solar panels, sustainable management of surface water and drainage, energy-efficient appliances, and sustainable building materials, are no longer just options - they have become essential criteria for many buyers.
Of course, this increasing commitment to sustainability, energy efficiency, and positive ecological impacts is largely an independent personal choice. However, it is also driven by the recognition that there are now much stricter planning and building codes and a regulatory regime that is increasingly promoting sustainable practices. Therefore, costly planning applications and designs stand a much greater chance of success if they fully account for these considerations.
The practical benefits are manifest: efficient private drainage treatment plants and boreholes eliminate water and sewerage rates. The availability and adoption of energy-efficient building materials, such as insulated concrete forms (ICFs), which help maintain temperature and reduce energy consumption, are revolutionising home construction.
Additionally, green roofs and living walls are gaining popularity. They enhance insulation while promoting biodiversity and improving air quality. Air-source and Ground-source heat pumps are becoming commonplace. South-facing plots have always been a premium, but now solar gain is the driving factor, every bit as much as sunbathing.
As buying agents, Recoco recognises that those seeking residential building plots are more dependent than ever on specialist advice, which keeps them one step ahead of environmental requirements. These can range from enhancing biodiversity to attaining carbon neutrality and the highest levels of energy efficiency. I look forward to helping clients tackle these new dynamics in 2025.
Mike Henderson, FNAEA
+44 (0) 7879 482 836