Scarlette Douglas, a renowned presenter of the popular TV show “A Place in the Sun”, has shared valuable insights into the common mistakes made by home buyers. According to a recent study conducted by Hive, two-thirds of home buyers tend to overlook eco-friendly features when searching for a new property. The research revealed that many people only prioritise sustainable features after moving into their new homes, leading to an average additional cost of £16,750 for retrofits.
Scarlette emphasised that buyers often get swayed by the aesthetics of a property, neglecting crucial energy-saving and smart home elements that could potentially save them thousands of pounds in the long term. She highlighted the importance of ensuring that a home is not just visually appealing but also energy efficient and equipped with smart technologies. Scarlette said, “A home should work for you, not the other way around. While winning interiors and kerb appeal can be tempting, overlooking energy efficiency and smart home features can leave you with unexpected costs.”
To remedy this oversight, Scarlette provided a list of 10 essentials that every home buyer should consider before making a purchase. These include checking the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating, enquiring about smart technologies like thermostats and LED lighting, evaluating the quality of windows and doors for insulation, examining the heating system, and investigating renewable energy options such as solar panels. Additionally, she recommended assessing the orientation of the house, the building materials used, the efficiency of appliances, and water-saving features like low-flow showerheads and rainwater collection systems.
By focusing on these key factors, prospective home buyers can not only make informed decisions when choosing a property but also ensure long-term cost savings and sustainability. Scarlette’s expert advice serves as a valuable guide for individuals navigating the complex process of buying a home, reminding them to look beyond the surface and prioritise practical and energy-efficient features.
In a fast-paced housing market where appearances can often be deceiving, Scarlette’s recommendations offer a refreshing perspective on what truly matters in a home. By incorporating sustainable practices and smart solutions into the homebuying process, buyers can create a living space that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also environmentally conscious and economically efficient.
As the demand for energy-efficient and technologically advanced homes continues to grow, Scarlette’s insights serve as a timely reminder for buyers to consider the long-term implications of their property choices. By embracing a holistic approach to home buying that encompasses both style and sustainability, individuals can establish homes that meet their needs while also contributing to a greener future.