Searches for homes with air conditioning have more than doubled this summer as buyers pay greater attention to how properties perform during hotter weather, Rightmove reports.
Searches for the feature increased by 104% compared with the same period last year, while 61% of people would consider installing air conditioning in their own home.
Rightmove’s survey of 1,062 adults found that only 11% believe their property remains very comfortable during a heatwave, while 45% say their home struggles to stay cool.
Some 87% now consider a property’s ability to remain cool important when choosing their next home, suggesting summer performance is becoming part of buyers’ decision-making.
HOUSEHOLDS ADAPT TO HIGHER TEMPERATURES
Adding blinds, curtains or window film is the most popular response, adopted by 56% of households. Almost half have installed a fan, 38% have improved their insulation and 29% have planted trees or introduced garden shading.
Although only 12% currently have air conditioning, 61% would consider installing it. Meanwhile, 58% would consider external shutters or awnings and 52% are open to improving ventilation.
Rightmove Property Expert Colleen Babcock (main picture, inset) says: “This summer’s heatwaves appear to be influencing how people think about their homes, with more movers searching for properties that already have air conditioning and many others considering installing it themselves.
“While location, space and affordability remain key priorities, our research suggests that people are paying closer attention to how comfortable a home will be during hotter weather. Many households are already making practical changes to keep cool, while others are factoring these considerations into their next move.”
BUYERS CONSIDER RUNNING COSTS
Mark Wiggin, Director of Mark Wiggin Estate Agents, says buyers are showing growing interest in air-source heat pumps, solar panels and air conditioning.
He adds: “Overseas buyers in particular increasingly expect air conditioning as standard, and we’re beginning to see more conversations about it here in the UK too.
“At the same time, buyers are paying much closer attention to running costs than they did a few years ago.”
OVERHEATING JOINS THE WISH LIST
James Waight, Head of Sales at John D Wood & Co., says: “Keeping cool is increasingly becoming part of the property wish list.
“We are seeing buyers pay closer attention to air conditioning, ventilation and how well a home retains a comfortable temperature during warmer months.
“Overheating is a particular consideration for contemporary properties with extensive glazing, which can become surprisingly hot in summer.
“With heatwaves becoming an increasingly familiar part of British summer, this is no longer simply a nice to have but an important factor in the decision to buy a property.”
CHANGING BEHAVIOUR
Ian Harris, NAEA Propertymark President, says: “Whilst air conditioning is clearly becoming a more visible feature on buyers’ wish lists, agents are seeing a broader shift in what people want from a home: comfort and liveability are increasingly being considered alongside traditional factors such as location, space and price.
“What is particularly interesting is that buyers are becoming more alert to how a property will perform in different conditions, rather than simply looking at individual features.
“Agents are increasingly fielding questions about ventilation, natural shade, glazing, orientation and energy costs, with buyers wanting to understand what living in a property will actually feel like throughout the year.
“This is an important change in buyer behaviour. As hotter summers become more familiar, the ability of a home to remain comfortable in warm weather is likely to become a more established consideration during viewings and valuations, rather than something buyers only think about once they have moved in.”
