Is energy efficiency at the core of what home buyers are looking for?
The homebuying market is fast evolving and energy performance is now a top priority for buyers. Gone are the days when design and location were enough – homebuyers are looking for homes that are environmentally friendly and deliver significant savings on energy bills.
It’s a shift that’s redefining the future of construction! So why is this?
The Financial Factor
Energy performance isn’t just about environmental impact, it’s also about economic sensibility. The surge in energy costs is hitting households hard, forcing many to rethink the long-term financial implications of their homes. Buyers are looking for homes designed to minimise consumption and maximise efficiency. Homes that are energy-efficient, insulated, and airtight and offer practical solutions to their concerns around the unpredictability of rising energy costs.
By investing in energy-efficient homes, buyers are making a conscious decision to reduce their monthly costs to live more comfortably and future-proof their finances. The Energy Saving Trust estimates that an uninsulated home loses up to 33% of its heat through walls and 25% through the roof, highlighting the importance of well-insulated properties to keep energy costs to a minimum
A Shift in Consciousness
As sustainability climbs to the top of the global agenda, Scottish homebuyers are embracing more eco-conscious lifestyles. The changing weather patterns and increasing frequency of extreme climate events are stark reminders that climate change is no longer a distant concern, it’s a reality we face today. This growing awareness is driving homeowners to make greener choices when it comes to their living spaces. This coupled with government initiatives promoting energy efficiency, have sparked an undeniable transformation in what buyers look for in a home. Features like superior insulation airtight construction, and renewable energy systems are no longer considered “nice-to-haves”, they are fast becoming essential.
According to the Scottish House Condition Survey, homes with higher Energy Efficiency Ratings (EER) are increasingly sought after, as they offer better insulation and reduced energy consumption
The Fabric-First Solution for house builders to respond to this trend.
The fabric-first approach is a game-changer for creating cost-effective, energy efficient homes. By prioritising the building’s superstructure and focusing on high-quality materials this method optimises energy efficiency from the outset.
Homes built with a fabric-first mindset retain more heat, reduce energy waste, and minimise reliance on expensive heating and cooling systems meaning homeowners can enjoy lower energy bills all year round. For housebuilders, it simplifies the construction process, reducing the need for costly retrofits to improve energy performance later. It’s a win-win solution that delivers affordability without compromising on quality or sustainability.
At Timber Engineering, we firmly believe that a fabric first approach is key to building affordable, energy efficient homes at pace.
Watch the video below to see the make up of our UltraKit – the superstructure that sets the stage for sustainable living. When paired with the components highlighted our UltraKit can offer an impressive external wall u-value of 0.16W/m2K.
We encourage all housebuilders to join us in committing to energy-efficient construction, building homes that are better for the planet and meet the needs of buyers for generations to come.
Drop us a line to discuss your next house build project: sales@timber-engineering.uk
