Yes, if you’re looking for a home with sustainable features, there are signs to look out for. These include an A or B-rated energy performance certificate (EPC), insulation and glazing, and modern green tech gubbins like smart meters, solar panels, and EV chargers. In this guide, we’ll help you spot the signs of an eco-friendly home.
What makes a house eco-friendly?
An eco-friendly home is designed to have less impact on the environment, whether that’s by using less energy, generating its own renewable power or using more sustainable materials.
It can also be cheaper to run, depending on the type of property and how you use it.
A few things to look out for include:
Energy efficiency: Good insulation, double or triple glazing and an efficient heating system can help keep your home warm without using too much energy.
Renewable energy: Solar panels and other renewable energy systems can help you rely less on fossil fuels and cut your home’s carbon footprint.
Sustainable materials: Materials that are recycled, reused or responsibly sourced can reduce the environmental impact of building or renovating a home.
Lower running costs: A home that uses less energy and water could mean lower household bills, leaving you with more money for the things you enjoy.
Eco certifications and ratings to look for
Wondering how to tell whether a home is really eco-friendly?
A few ratings and certifications can help you understand how energy efficient and sustainable a property is before you make an offer.
EPC rating
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rates a home’s energy efficiency from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). If an energy-efficient home is high on your wish list, look out for properties rated A or B when you’re house hunting.
You can also check a property’s EPC to see its current rating and get an idea of what improvements could make it more energy efficient.
BREAAM
BREAAM is a sustainability assessment method used to assess the environmental performance of buildings in the UK. It looks at things like energy use, water, materials and... ahem... waste.
You’re more likely to come across it with new-build developments, so it can be a useful sign of how a property has been designed and built.
Passivhaus standard
Passivhaus homes are designed to stay comfortable all year round while using very little energy for heating. They usually have excellent insulation, airtight construction and good ventilation to help keep the warmth in.
They’re less common than other homes, so finding one could be a real bonus if keeping energy use low is high on your priority list.
Eco-friendly features to look for
When you’re viewing properties, there are a few features worth keeping an eye out for. They can give you a better idea of how energy efficient a home is and what your running costs might look like.
Insulation and glazing
Good insulation helps keep your home warm in winter and cooler in summer, while double or triple-glazed windows can help reduce heat loss.
Check the loft, walls and windows to see how well the property is insulated as this can make a real difference to energy use. You can always ask the estate agent for information on this, or if the property owner has insulation certificates.
Heat pumps and solar panels
Look out for renewable energy features like solar panels and air source or ground source heat pumps. Solar panels can generate electricity for your home, while heat pumps offer a more energy-efficient way to heat it.
EV Charging points
If you drive an electric car, an EV charging point at home could be a very big bonus – both for lowering your environmental footprint and your bills. Even if you don’t have one yet, it’s a good idea to check whether the property has a charger or could have one fitted in the future.
Smart heating controls
Smart thermostats and heating controls make it easier to manage your heating, so you’re not using energy to warm an empty house.
Water-saving features
Low-flow showerheads, dual-flush toilets and water-efficient taps can help you use less water around the home, which could also help bring your bills down.
Sustainable building materials
What a home is built with matters too. Look out for things like reclaimed wood, recycled materials or sustainably sourced flooring, which can be kinder to the environment.
Where to find eco-friendly houses for sale
Ready to start house hunting? Here are three ways to find a more eco-friendly home.
Property portals: Search for terms like “eco-friendly”, “energy efficient” or “Passivhaus” and check EPC ratings in property descriptions for green features.
Eco-focused developers: Look for new-build developments with solar panels, heat pumps and good insulation. Find out which features come as standard and which might cost extra.
Estate agents: Let them know you’re looking for a greener home and ask if they have any suitable homes on their books. They might also be able to suggest properties with energy-saving features you hadn’t considered.
Choosing a sustainable location
It’s not just the house itself that matters. Where you live can make a difference to your carbon footprint, too. A home close to bus stops, train stations, shops and other everyday essentials can help you rely less on your car.
It’s also worth exploring what’s nearby, from parks and allotments to community gardens and composting schemes, all of which can make greener living a little easier.
Check the area’s flood risk too and think about how well it might cope with hotter summers and extreme weather in the years ahead.
Questions to ask during a viewing
When you find a home you like, a few extra questions can help you understand how it runs day to day and whether there are any costs or improvements to factor into your budget.
You could ask:
What are the typical monthly or annual energy bills?
Have any energy-efficiency upgrades been made and are there receipts or guarantees available?
If the property has solar panels or a heat pump, are there any ongoing costs, maintenance requirements or lease agreements?
Are there any recommended upgrades that haven’t been completed yet, and how much might they cost?
Are there any other costs linked to the property’s energy systems or eco-friendly features?
Getting these details before you make an offer can help you budget realistically and understand more about the property you’re taking on.
New build vs older eco-friendly homes
New-build homes often come with modern insulation, energy efficient heating and other eco-friendly features already in place. This can make a real difference to their energy efficiency, with around 9 in 10 new homes in England and Wales receiving an EPC rating of A or B in the period April-June 2026, according to government figures.
Older homes can be just as appealing, though they might need a few upgrades to improve their energy efficiency.
If you’re buying a home that’s been retrofitted, it’s a good idea to get a house survey to check the quality of the work and flag any issues before you commit to buying.
Financing an eco-friendly home
Buying an eco-friendly home or making improvements to an existing property can come with extra costs, so make sure you factor these into your budget.
Some lenders offer green mortgages for eligible energy-efficient homes, while others might have options to help fund future upgrades.
If the property has leased solar panels, check the terms of the agreement as this could affect your mortgage application.
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FAQs
An EPC rating of A or B indicates high energy efficiency. These homes typically use less energy, which could mean lower running costs.
Check its EPC rating and look at features like insulation, double glazing and the heating system. Take a look at typical energy bills too.
A Passivhaus is a home built to strict energy efficiency standards, using excellent insulation, airtight construction and ventilation to reduce energy use.
They can be, especially if they have specialist features or sustainable technology. Prices can vary though, and an energy-efficient home could help you save on running costs.
Some lenders offer green mortgages for eligible energy-efficient properties. The criteria and benefits vary, so check what’s available with your lender or mortgage adviser.
New-build homes are often designed with energy efficiency in mind, which can mean better insulation and lower energy use. The exact benefits depend on the property and its features.