'Increasing demand' for green homes

17:03:20 31st March 2008

The demand for energy efficient properties is on the rise, according to Right House.

According to the real estate advisory firm, energy efficient features such as ecologically-aware glazing and solar water heating now enjoy frequent mentions in property adverts.

The firm comments: "Five years ago you would have been labelled a tree-hugging greenie if you asked for an energy-efficient home,"

However, it adds that while environmentally-efficient facilities can take five to 15 years to pay for themselves, they "immediately" transfer into higher property values.

National sales manager at the firm Clint Jones explains that the firm adopts a holistic attitude to design and takes a number of aspects into account with its projects - including passive systems such as glazing, active systems like lighting and the location of the site.

Meanwhile, independent estate agent haart recently stated that natural light is a resource that consumers should use to full effect in their home.