The UK’s record-breaking summer heat and ongoing fluctuations in energy prices have heightened homeowners’ focus on sustainability and energy efficiency in residential properties. Recent data underscores a significant shift in the housing market toward greener homes, with improvements in Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings reflecting greater environmental awareness among buyers and renters.
According to analysis from Rightmove’s 2025 Greener Homes Report, 46% of resale properties and 58% of rental properties across Great Britain now hold EPC ratings of C or above, marking a sharp rise from 29% and 41% respectively in 2015. These figures illustrate a growing emphasis on energy performance as a factor in property transactions and rental decisions.
Experts working with high-value properties are noting a marked increase in clients prioritizing home upgrades that can reduce energy use and enhance climate resilience. Henry Longton, a Chartered Surveyor with Knight Frank’s Project and Building Consultancy team, said clients seek to future-proof homes through the installation of air or ground source heat pumps and improvements to water management systems. Additional strategies include incorporating sedum roofs to manage rainfall and support biodiversity, and implementing greywater recycling for non-potable uses like irrigation and toilet flushing.
Longton highlighted that even relatively minor enhancements can improve efficiency and comfort. Measures such as draught-proofing windows, fitting high-quality underlay to reduce heat loss, and installing aerated showerheads to conserve water are among recommended interventions. He stressed the importance of overall property maintenance, noting that poorly maintained homes tend to perform worse in terms of energy efficiency. Upgrading roof insulation is often cost-effective, while window improvements—ranging from double or triple glazing to secondary glazing in historic homes with planning restrictions—also contribute significantly.
Technological advances are enabling homeowners to better manage energy production and consumption. Government figures show that 269,000 solar panel installations were completed in 2025, the highest annual total recorded and a 37% increase from the previous year. This growth has been supported by incentives such as a zero percent VAT rate on qualifying solar installations until March 2027. Homeowners can also offset costs by selling surplus electricity back to the grid. Additionally, smart home technologies—such as LED lighting with motion sensors and smart thermostatic radiator valves—allow users to optimise energy use remotely.
The financial sector is responding to rising demand for sustainable housing with an expanding green mortgage market. Simon Gammon, Managing Partner at Knight Frank Finance, noted that the number of green mortgage products has surged from four in 2019 to over 90 today. These products often offer lower interest rates for homes with strong EPC ratings or incentives like cashback for energy-efficient properties. Gammon advised prospective buyers and renovators to consult brokers who can navigate the variety of offerings available.
Looking ahead, sustainable building practices are expected to become even more integral to the housing market. New government standards, including the Future Homes Standard, are encouraging features like air source heat pumps and solar panel installations in newly built homes. There is also increasing attention on embodied and operational carbon—the total greenhouse gas emissions associated with the lifecycle of building materials and usage. The construction industry is progressively adopting circular economy principles, aiming to reduce waste and source materials responsibly as part of broader net-zero commitments.
Longton emphasized that building climate resilience involves more than regulatory compliance. “It’s about helping people understand that even the simplest changes can make their homes more comfortable, efficient, and better prepared for the future,” he said. As the climate continues to shift, sustainable living spaces are becoming an essential element of housing across the UK.