Brits more interested in home makeovers than making them energy-efficient

Wales Online

09-06-2025

Brits more interested in home makeovers than making them energy-efficient
A study of 2,000 homeowners revealed that over half are prioritising aesthetic upgrades as they believe it adds more value to their property.
Home owners confess energy-efficient upgrades don't provide the same excitement as other renovations
(Image: Getty Images )
A recent survey of 2,000 homeowners discovered that more than half are favouring aesthetic enhancements such as kitting out with a swanky new kitchen or bathroom suite over energy-saving measures, because they feel these refurbishments add more value and grant instant gratification. Many are opting to splurge on glamorous home updates rather than investing in insulation or efficient heating systems.
As revealed by the study organised by Skipton Building Society, part of the Skipton Group, a substantial number of property owners admit that eco-friendly improvements lack the allure of a luxurious makeover, with 16 percent confessing their love of a new home feature.
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Homeowners would prefer to upgrade their bathrooms
(Image: Getty Images )
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This insight accompanies the release of The Big Retrofit report, which details the energy efficiency overhaul of a home previously dependent on fossil fuels.
The report, a collaboration between Leeds Beckett University and the University of Leeds, demonstrates how retrofitting—a process of upgrading a building to improve its energy performance—has increased comfort and progressed the EPC rating of a typical 1930s detached house from D up to B.
Phil Spencer, the TV favourite and founder of Move iQ, offered his perspective: "It's easy to get caught up in choosing statement tiles or bold paint colours, but the most valuable home improvements aren't always the most 'Instagrammable'."
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To emphasise the long term benefits, he further mentioned: "Green upgrades not only save money in the long run, but they can also boost comfort, value and sustainability, all without spoiling the look of your home."
A recent survey shows that over a quarter of people in the UK know someone who has made eco-friendly home improvements, with 53 per cent feeling encouraged to follow suit.
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As a result, interest in green technology is growing, with 48 per cent considering solar panels and 24 per cent exploring better loft insulation, while 15 per cent would think about fitting triple-glazed windows.
For 38 per cent of homeowners, learning about the reduced energy bills neighbours enjoyed was the catalyst for their own interest.
The report found that nearly half of the homeowners now see making sustainable upgrades as a mark of success in today's world. Being able to charge an electric vehicle at home, having underfloor heating powered by renewable sources, and owning a heat pump are now seen as top indicators of having 'made it'.
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Michaela Wright, head of group sustainability at Skipton Building Society, commented: "As more people see their neighbours investing in greener technologies, it naturally sparks curiosity and motivation to do the same.
"There's something powerful about seeing these changes up close – it makes the benefits feel more real and achievable. It's a positive sign that more energy efficient choices are becoming aspirational, not just practical.
"We understand that making energy-efficient home improvements might not be at the top of everyone's priority list. That's why we took on the journey ourselves – to help demystify the retrofit process through The Big Retrofit project.
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"We've documented our experience and created a series of resources, to support others who are considering making similar improvements."