Buying a cost-efficient and low carbon home with a heat pump, or another form of low-carbon technology, is becoming more important to prospective homebuyers. That’s according to new research conducted by the estate agent, Savills.

The analysis shows homes in England and Wales that have a heat pump fitted command a premium over average regional prices.

“Faced with increasing energy prices, homes that offer more cost-efficient monthly alternatives – such as homes with heat pumps – are climbing higher up buyers’ wishlists when searching for a new home,”

Lawrence Bowles, research analyst at Savills

Nearly six out of ten (59%) prospective buyers told the company they were willing to pay more for a home primarily powered by renewable energy.

EPC ratings are becoming a higher priority for buyers, with 71% of people surveyed saying a home’s energy performance certificate (EPC) rating now played an important role in their considerations over whether to buy a property.

Almost a third (32%) of people said they put more importance on EPC ratings than they did a year ago.

The highest average prices are gathered by properties using community heating schemes – where heat from a central source supplies more than one building or dwelling via a network and can come from either a conventional boiler or a renewable energy-fired boiler.

Homes with community heating schemes reach an average price of over £550,000, according to Savills. Those with heat pumps have a slightly lower average value of £483,935.