Sustainable homes have become heavily discussed. Homeowners want to move into properties with eco-friendly appliances installed, and some are investing in ways to help make their homes greener.
As the conversation around sustainability and climate change continue to heighten in urgency, the topic surrounding eco-friendly properties is frequently flagged. It looks at ways homeowners can be greener and the changes they can make to their homes. It also looks at how new builds can be designed and built to create a sustainable property using sustainable methods and materials. Additionally, it highlights how landlords and their properties could be greener too.
However, some suggest that landlords might choose to sell their homes instead of making them greener. This is because of the costs involved when making a greener home. Choosing to make their properties eco-friendlier should be something landlords consider. There are plenty of ways that a landlord can make their properties eco-friendlier. Keep reading to find out how.
How Landlords Can Make Eco-Friendly Properties
Like a person would make changes in their home, landlords could implement these sustainable changes in their properties. Each change could be tailored to various budgets; some will take an afternoon to complete, while others could take far longer.
These are some eco-friendly changes that landlords should consider making to help make their properties greener.
Use Sustainable Materials
Landlords should aim to keep their properties in great condition. If the property needs revamping, whether to modernise or because it is in dire need of some improvements, landlords should consider using sustainable materials. Many sustainable materials are durable and long-lasting. Although they might come with a higher price tag than other materials, knowing they are sustainable materials will appeal to many tenants. Whether they are updating the bathroom, kitchen or bedroom – landlords should research what sustainable materials they could use for these renovation projects.
Insulating The Property
Quality insulation is essential in properties. Without quality insulation, energy bills can come to eye-watering prices. As the cost of living continues to rise, and the price of energy is set to go up as well, finding ways to keep costs low as you can is important. Some of the home’s heat can easily escape through the rooftops of the property.
Landlords should spend time checking their property to see what insulation they currently have in place. Loft insulation should be at the recommended 270mm, at the very least. If there is no insulation or the current insulation does not meet the recommended thickness, add additional layers to help achieve the recommended 270mm.
Eco-Friendly Appliances
By law, landlords must provide tenants with a hob and an oven if they have stated that the property they are renting is furnished. Some landlords will offer their tenants fridges and freezers, washing machines and sometimes even a dishwasher. However, these appliances are not mandatory, like the hob and oven.
If landlords choose to provide tenants with appliances like fridges and freezers, even a microwave and kettle, they should consider investing in eco-friendly ones. Eco-friendly appliances often come with a label which highlights their energy rating. When putting the property on the market to attract new tenants, showing that the property comes furnished with energy-saving appliances could work in the landlords’ favour.
Changing Light Bulbs
Another simple yet effective way to make a home eco-friendlier is by switching the light bulbs to more energy-efficient ones. Like eco-friendly appliances and sustainable materials, energy-saving light bulbs often have a higher price tag. However, these can help to lower energy bills and, most importantly, help to save the planet. Many homes are fitted with energy-saving lightbulbs, so it is a feature many homeowners expect.
Advantages Of Eco-Friendly Properties
As you can see, there are a few ways that landlords can make their properties more sustainable. There are plenty of ways landlords can create sustainable properties without having to put themselves at financial risk. Implementing these tactics will likely take longer than others, and the results will be noticeable after a few months of using them. Regardless, there are rewards to reap from having an eco-friendly property as a landlord. Here are a few of the advantages that come from having eco-friendly properties.
Grants Available To Use
Choosing to add solar panels to a property is a significant renovation project to undertake. It can take months to plan and prepare and have them installed. However, they are one of the most effective ways to help lower energy bill costs. Understandably, the cost of solar panels can make some apprehensive. However, landlords can utilise UK government solar panel grants. The valuable information provided by the Federation of Master Builders could help you to make a more informed decision about whether to add solar panels to your property.
Could Attract More Tenants
When adding your property to the market, highlight the many sustainable features that appear within. Today, more than ever, consumers are becoming more conscious of their environmental impact. As such, many are implementing ways to live a more sustainable lifestyle. Those looking for a place to live are also keen to live in properties with sustainable features, such as appliances, good insulation, and new windows. Showcasing your property’s sustainable features can help attract a broader group of potential tenants. It gives you a wider choice of who you wish to rent your accommodation to.
Help The Environment
Of course, one of the most significant advantages of having sustainable and eco-friendly properties is that it helps the environment. Whether a landlord has one or multiple properties to their name, knowing they have many sustainable features can help them rest assured that their carbon footprint is reduced slightly. When choosing tenants, landlords might choose individuals with the same beliefs as them around sustainability. They might decide to have tenants actively trying to be more sustainable in their life.
Ahead Of The Competition
A goal for many landlords is to stand out from their competitors. If they own a property in a highly popular area, they will likely face competition from other landlords who own property close by. Investing in ways to make their properties eco-friendlier can work to a landlord’s advantage. They can use it in their marketing when finding new tenants. If other landlords in the area have not implemented eco-friendlier appliances into their homes, or if their insulation does not meet the recommended thickness, they might go down in a potential tenant’s list of choices. The one that will likely stand out from the rest will be the landlord that implemented ways to make their property eco-friendlier.
The Bottom Line
Ultimately, having an eco-friendlier home is better for the environment. It helps to reduce the carbon footprint a property and the tenants create, as well as help to reduce the monthly bills. Of course, implanting any sustainable changes will be costly to a landlord. As such, it is worthwhile looking at what is possible and what will help to add value to the property. Considering what changes to implement will help landlords make more informed decisions.
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