More than a third of Britons believe their homes are unsuitable for today’s climate following a summer in which high temperatures left millions struggling with overheating, according to new research.
The MyBuilder Heat-Trap Homes Report finds 35% believe their property is not suitable for current climatic conditions, rising to 45% among 18 to 24-year-olds and 44% of people living with children.
Meanwhile, 37% say excessive heat at home negatively affected their wellbeing and 46% report suffering from poor sleep.
But the research also points to a significant affordability barrier to adapting existing homes, with 37% saying they cannot afford the changes they would like to make.
OVERHEATING HOMES
More than a quarter of respondents – 27% – say they felt unable to escape the heat even inside their homes, while one in five say their bedroom became unusable during periods of extreme heat.
Some 17% slept in another room to cope with high temperatures and 5% report sleeping outside at least once.
Home working was also affected, with 18% saying excessive heat made it difficult to concentrate or remain productive.
The experience appears to be changing attitudes towards cooling, with 39% now regarding domestic air conditioning as a necessity rather than a luxury.
Andy Simms, home and construction expert at MyBuilder, says: “Britain’s housing stock was not built for this. Most of our homes are designed to hold heat in, not let it out, and this summer showed just how big a problem that’s becoming.”
COST BARRIER
The research suggests homeowners face difficulties both funding improvements and understanding what financial assistance may be available.
More than half – 56% – say they are confused about grants and subsidies available for sustainable home improvements, rising to 65% among respondents in the North East.
Meanwhile, 44% do not believe the Government provides enough financial support to help homeowners make their properties more environmentally sustainable.
Among households with children, 51% say they cannot afford the changes they would like to make to cope with hotter conditions.
Simms adds: “Solutions already exist, but affordability concerns and confusion about available options are blocking change. Closing that gap has to be the priority as we face increasingly hotter summers.”
