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The Rise of the Eco Property in the UK

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    UK Housing Market: Eco Properties

    Did you ever think you would be able to buy a property that automatically switched off your central heating? How about a property that recycled rainwater to be used within the home?

    As of 2023, eco investing is rising in popularity with eco-friendly properties more popular than ever before. Both homeowners and investors are now taking note of the growing choice of eco property for sale in the UK.

    But just what is the meaning of eco houses, what do eco-homes cost, and what does the rise of the eco property development mean for property investors in the UK?

    If you’re keen to learn more about sustainable homes, keep reading to find out more about the rise of eco-friendly properties in the UK.

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      What Is an Eco-Friendly House or Development?

      An eco-friendly house or apartment is a property that’s been built with sustainability in mind. Eco properties are made up of environmentally friendly building materials and incorporate low-carbon facilities and technology such as solar panels and energy-efficient lighting and heating systems.

      Man plants a tree and digs in the ground with a shovel representing environmental issues and sustainability

      What Makes a Property Eco Friendly?

      In order for a property to be an eco property, it must meet certain criteria and be built in a way that promotes renewable energy and sustainability. Here are some of the main qualities of an eco-friendly property development.

      High Levels of Insulation

      If a property is well insulated, it becomes more energy efficient as it’s easier and cheaper to heat in the winter and cool in the summer. Eco property developers will often build with airtight double or triple-glazed windows to reduce the need for energy usage through central heating.

      Heating From Renewable Sources

      Many eco-friendly homes will feature technology that allows the property to be heated through renewable energy sources such as air source heat pumps.

      Air-source heat pumps and ground-source heat pumps absorb heat from the outside air or ground and use it to heat the property and provide hot water.

      Rainwater Recycling

      Many eco property developers will include rainwater recycling systems in their developments. Rainwater recycling, also known as rainwater harvesting, is when rainwater is collected, filtered, and used towards the building’s water source.

      Solar Panels or Wind Turbines

      Solar panels are a popular component of eco-friendly properties and work by converting the sun’s energy into electricity. Using solar energy reduces the need for traditional fossil fuels such as coal and oil, which can cause pollution within the environment.

      Eco-Friendly Materials

      A lot of eco property projects will incorporate environmentally friendly materials such as recycled or reclaimed wood, recycled steel, and sustainable building materials like timber.

       

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      What Is the History of Eco Property in the UK?

      The concept of eco property developments made UK headlines back in 2007, when Gordon Brown announced plans to create five new ‘eco towns’ in the UK.

      The aim of this scheme was to build 100,000 eco-homes on former industrial sites. The first eco-town to take shape was North West Bicester, located just 15 miles from Oxford city.

      North West Bicester has now become a highly sustainable extension to the market town of Bicester, featuring zero-carbon homes, schools, workplaces, and community facilities.

      Over the years, the popularity of eco property and eco-friendly houses in the UK has risen. In the UK, the highest number of eco-friendly properties for sale can be found down South in cities like London.

      However, in a bid to introduce more eco developments to the North West region, property developer Nexus has launched ‘ELEMENT’, a scheme which will see new build eco property developments created in top UK cities like Liverpool. One upcoming eco-friendly housing project, ELEMENT – The Quarter, will be Liverpool’s first-ever eco-development.

      According to the Guardian, there are now more than 30,000 eco-home projects in the pipeline. In the Future Homes Standard plans set out by the Conservative government, all new homes being built in the UK aim to be ‘zero-carbon-ready’ by at least 2025

      Businessman showing thumbs up - closeup shot

      What Are the Benefits of Buying An Eco Property As an Investment?

      While the eco-property trend has been huge with those looking to improve their carbon footprint and reduce housing bills by purchasing an eco-house as their new home, eco-friendly properties are also becoming more popular with investors.

      For buy-to-let property investors in the UK, generating a lot of rental demand for your property is crucial. According to a 2019 study from Forbes, 54% of Gen Z consumers and 50% of millennials are willing to spend 10% more money on sustainable products.

      Since the UK rental market is primarily made up of young renters such as students and young professionals, this study suggests that investors who purchase eco-property investment opportunities will benefit from high demand and attractive rental returns.

      Not only will tenants be more inclined to rent a property that features eco-friendly and sustainable attributes as a way to improve their carbon footprint and help the environment, but the lower running costs of an eco property will also boost demand from those who are keen to spend less money on water and energy bills.

      New build homes are generally considered to be more energy-efficient and therefore attract high levels of tenant interest. A property that’s not only a new home but also incorporates sophisticated low-carbon technology? It’s a no-brainer.

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        Where Can I Find Eco-Friendly Property For Sale in the UK?

        If you’re looking for eco-friendly property for sale in the UK, look no further than ELEMENT – The Quarter, our latest investment opportunity here at RWinvest.

        Open to both buy-to-let investors and those looking to live in an eco-home as their primary residence, ELEMENT – The Quarter is Liverpool’s very first eco-development.

        This development, created by Nexus, offers a one-off opportunity for investors to purchase a sophisticated eco property in one of the best places to invest in property in the UK.

        Explore Eco Property for Sale With ELEMENT – The Quarter

        There are so many amazing qualities that make ELEMENT – The Quarter a one-of-a-kind eco-friendly property development.

        This off-plan property development has been nominated for the sustainability award at the Insider Media North West Residential Property Awards for 2021, thanks to its unique concept and the groundbreaking smart technologies included throughout.

        So what makes ELEMENT – The Quarter an eco property development? This development uses a rainwater recycling system, PV array solar panels, a shower save system, LED lighting, and an air source heat pump to promote sustainability, cut running costs, and reduce carbon emissions.

        Another technology included in this eco property is a mechanical ventilation heat recovery system and a central building management server.

        The mechanical ventilation heat recovery system works by redistributing heat to and from different parts of the building.

        If one part of the development is hotter than another, heat will be redistributed to areas that need it most.

        The central building management server is a technology most commonly used in luxury hotels and will also focus on controlling energy consumption within the building.

        If, for instance, a resident opens their windows, the building management server will switch off central heating in response.

        Aside from the high-quality eco-property features included throughout, this development also benefits from amazing onsite facilities.

        Residents of the building will enjoy communal living spaces such as a games room, cinema room, gym, and roof terrace. There are also dedicated work-from-home areas for those working remotely.

        Fitting in with the eco-friendly theme of the development, residents will have access to electric car charging points and a car-sharing service as a way to further lower carbon emissions.

        This eco-development is part of the ELEMENT eco-living concept from Nexus. ELEMENT is the North West’s first eco-living concept and will see brand new eco-friendly developments introduced across North West cities.

        ELEMENT aims to positively impact the environment with new eco homes while connecting like-minded environmentally conscious individuals by offering them a place to live, work, and play that perfectly aligns with their values.

        Invest in Eco Properties With RWinvest

        If you’re currently exploring options for eco property for sale in the UK and are interested in purchasing an apartment within ELEMENT – The Quarter, get in touch today.

        This stylish eco-friendly property development offers rental yields of 8% for investors and comes with prices from just £92,950.

        As an extra eco-friendly incentive, we’ve teamed up with One Tree Planted to ensure that for every unit purchased in ELEMENT – The Quarter, 100 trees will be planted in the Amazon rainforest. As of January 2022, we have now planted an incredible 49,900 trees in the Amazon Rainforest, smashing our target of 45,000.

        For further information about our new eco property and how you can invest, contact RWinvest for details of our current availability

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          Author

          Reece Pape

          Reece Pape is a property writer at RWinvest. Utilising up-to-date property statistics and data, Reece aims to keep investors informed on the latest market developments.

          UK