More than half of Brits admit feeling envious of other people’s homes, particularly when they see innovative home upgrades being made by their neighbours. A recent survey revealed that 58% of respondents envy the homes of others, with 55% stating that witnessing their neighbours invest in upgrades such as solar panels, heat pumps, and EV charging points triggers feelings of jealousy. This indicates a shift in the traditional concept of neighbourly competition, which used to revolve around vehicles in the driveway and the state of the lawn.
In a new twist of ‘keeping up with the Joneses’, almost half of those surveyed (46%) confessed that they would consider getting solar panels installed if they saw their neighbour do the same. Additionally, nearly a third (29%) mentioned that they would prioritize electric upgrades over other home improvements like landscaping the garden (12%) or installing a new kitchen (18%). The survey, conducted by Electrify Britain, highlighted a changing trend where energy-efficient and money-saving upgrades are becoming more desirable than purely aesthetic improvements.
While envy over aesthetics remains prevalent (18%), a significant portion of respondents (14%) expressed admiration for money-saving upgrades that reduce bills. With the rise in energy costs and an ongoing cost-of-living crisis, 45% of those surveyed identified saving money as the primary motivation behind considering home upgrades. Surprisingly, a majority (67%) were unaware that fully electric homes have the potential to reduce energy bills to £0, further influencing 41% to contemplate electric upgrades in the future.
Looking ahead, a significant portion of respondents (43%) believe that the Government should mandate electrification in new-build homes. Moreover, more than a third (34%) expressed interest in purchasing an electric-powered new build for their next home. While support for this initiative spans across different age groups, the silent generation (80+) emerged as particularly enthusiastic, with over half (51%) advocating for all new homes to be electric.
Camilla Born, CEO of Electrify Britain, pointed out the contagious nature of electric technology, stating that witnessing others benefit from electric upgrades incentivizes individuals to adopt similar solutions. The organization is dedicated to promoting electric energy accessibility and affordability through cost reduction, infrastructure development, and local generation. By showcasing success stories like Jan’s in Balsall Heath, where solar panels have enabled her to run her home on solar power and save on laundry costs, Electrify Britain aims to inspire more Britons to pursue modern and efficient home upgrades.
In addition to advocating for fully electric new builds, Electrify Britain is calling for immediate action to reduce policy costs on electricity bills and thus make clean technologies more accessible. By exploring the benefits of electrification through its Commission and engaging with various stakeholders, Electrify Britain aims to create a sustainable and energy-efficient future for homes across the UK. With the increasing focus on environmental sustainability and cost-saving measures, the demand for electric upgrades in homes is expected to rise in the coming years.