Editor's note: This brief was summarised by The Property AI Newsroom from a report by The Negotiator. Read the original article for full details.
Buyers Prioritise Energy Efficiency, But Premiums Unpopular
A new survey by estate agency brand LRG has found that while 85% of buyers consider energy efficiency important when choosing a home, only a small minority are willing to pay significantly more for it. The research, published in LRG’s Sales Report Summer 2026 and based on a survey of over 700 buyers and sellers, reveals that just 2% of buyers would pay a significant premium for an energy-efficient property, and only 26% would pay a little more. The largest group, 37%, said they would not pay anything extra at all.
The findings indicate that buyers are increasingly focused on the practical impact of energy efficiency on their household budgets. According to the survey, 36% of buyers said they would only pay more for an energy-efficient home if the higher price could be offset by lower utility bills over time. This trend comes as the energy price cap rose in June, increasing gas and electricity bills for many homeowners.
Running Costs Now Central to Buyer Decisions
The report highlights that buyers are now factoring in running costs from the outset, with many wanting detailed information about a property’s energy use before making a decision. Buyers surveyed expressed a desire for practical details such as the age and service history of the boiler, meter information, and heating system details to be available during viewings.
LRG’s analysis suggests that buyers are looking beyond Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings and are more interested in the actual running costs of a property. The research notes that while sellers may expect a premium for energy-efficient homes, buyers are more likely to use higher running costs as a negotiation point.
For letting agents and inventory clerks, the findings underline the growing importance of providing accurate and detailed information about a property’s energy efficiency and running costs. This shift in buyer priorities may influence how properties are marketed and what information is prepared ahead of viewings.
Source: The Negotiator