One in seven people are considering moving to a cooler part of the UK as hotter summers and rising energy costs reshape attitudes towards the nation’s housing stock, according to new research from Barclays.
The lender’s latest Property Insights research found that warmer weather is increasingly influencing both home improvement decisions and longer-term property choices, with many households looking for ways to reduce overheating without driving up energy bills.
The research found that two in five adults (40%) would prefer to invest in home improvements that prevent homes from overheating rather than rely on cooling devices, while 30% worry about the cost of running electric cooling systems.
As a result, 44% said they actively avoid energy-intensive cooling methods wherever possible.
RISING TEMPERATURES
Many households have already adopted practical measures to cope with rising temperatures. Nearly half (48%) use portable fans, 34% have installed blackout blinds or curtains, 17% have purchased portable air conditioning units and 11% have installed fixed air conditioning systems.
Others are opting for more permanent solutions. Around 31% have planted, or are considering planting, trees to provide natural shade, while 28% are improving ventilation through measures such as skylights or vents.
For younger generations, the impact of rising temperatures is extending beyond home improvements. While 13% of adults overall said they were considering relocating to a cooler part of the country, this rises to 21% among Generation Z and 25% of Millennials.
COST-MANAGEMENT
Jatin Patel (main picture, inset), Head of Mortgages, Savings and Insurance at Barclays, says: “Hotter spells are a challenge for British households, particularly as much of the nation’s housing stock isn’t designed to combat sustained periods of high temperatures.
“For homeowners, it’s no longer just a question of comfort, but also cost-management as they balance staying cool with the impact on their energy bills.
“For some, this means choosing to retrofit their home with more passive ventilation options, meanwhile a growing number of homeowners are considering moving altogether to make sure their home is equipped from the outset.”
