Two-Thirds of Home Movers Want Energy-Generating Homes, Rightmove Report Finds
The survey found that two-thirds of potential home-movers in the UK would like a property that generates most or all of its own energy, according to the 2026 Greener Homes Report by property search site Rightmove. The findings suggest that energy bills and comfort during warm wea
The report found that 63% of prospective movers wanted a home capable of generating most or all of its energy. Just 8% preferred a property that relied entirely on the electricity grid. Rising bills are also changing attitudes. Some 53% of respondents said recent energy price increases had made them more interested in solar panels and home battery storage.
Energy-generating homes attract attention
Property listings reflect the growing interest in energy efficiency. Since 2022, mentions of heat pumps in newly listed homes have increased by 151%. References to solar panels have risen by 94%, Rightmove reported.
However, homes advertised with these features often come with higher asking prices. Properties mentioning air conditioning average £947,509, compared with the national average of £367,440. Homes listing heat pumps average £545,220, while those advertising solar panels average £412,901.
Energy bills also vary considerably by property rating. Rightmove estimates that an EPC A-rated home costs £706 a year to power. Across all homes, the estimated annual bill is £2,337. For properties rated EPC G, it rises to £6,379.
Summer comfort becomes another priority
Buyers are thinking beyond energy generation. According to the report, 87% considered staying cool in summer important when choosing their next home. Nearly half, or 45%, said their current property struggled in hot weather.
Rightmove searches for homes with air conditioning rose by 104% this summer compared with the same period last year.
New builds have an advantage
Energy performance remains a clear difference between new and existing homes. The report found that 89% of new builds had EPC ratings of A or B, compared with 6% of resale properties. EPC A ratings alone accounted for 23% of new builds and just 1% of resale homes.
Wales had the highest share of EPC A-rated new builds at 54%, followed by the North East at 44% and the East Midlands at 31%.
Despite the interest, cost remains a hurdle. Although 74% of movers wanted more help with energy-efficiency improvements, only 5% of homeowners considered green upgrades a current priority.
