New research reveals rising ‘eco-envy’ as green tech becomes the must-have upgrade for British homes
'Eco-envy' is sweeping the UK(Image credit: Getty Images)
Are you one of the growing number of homeowners eyeing up your neighbour’s eco house with envy?
A new report from Electrify Britain reveals that 58% of Brits feel jealous of other people’s homes – especially those fitted with green tech like solar panels, heat pumps and EV charging points.
And with energy bills rising again, that envy could spread fast. More homeowners are now considering eco home upgrades of their own, keen not to miss out on the long-term savings and sustainability benefits their neighbours are already enjoying.
A new kind of neighbourhood envy
A report by Electrify Britain revealed that more than half (55%) of Brits who admit to feeling home envy say it’s the energy-saving tech upgrades that trigger it – and many are eager to follow suit.
“You could almost say electric tech is contagious,” says Camilla Born, CEO of Electrify Britain. “If your friend, neighbour or relative has the latest electric car, solar or a heat pump and they’re cutting their bills, of course you're going to want to be part of the action.”
Nearly half (46%) of those surveyed said they’d consider installing solar panels if their neighbours did – and 29% said they’d prioritise these types of electric upgrades over more traditional home improvements like a new kitchen (18%) or landscaping the garden (12%).
Cost-saving, future-proofing and must-have features
34% of Brits say heat pumps and EV chargers are “must-have” home features(Image credit: Getty Images)
The growing interest in electric upgrades isn’t just about appearances. With energy prices on the rise and the cost-of-living crisis ongoing, the savings potential is a major motivator.
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Nearly half (45%) of respondents said lower energy bills were their main reason for considering an upgrade. Still, most people (67%) are unaware that fully electric homes can, in some cases, cut energy bills down to £0.
One homeowner who’s made the switch is Jan from Balsall Heath, who now powers her home using solar panels.
“I won’t move now,” Jan said. “If I did, I’d have to move somewhere with solar. I did my laundry at midday, hung it out to dry, and brought it back in without spending a penny. My smart meter even said £0.00 for the day.”
The report also found that more than a third (34%) of Brits now consider electric tech like heat pumps and EV chargers to be “must-have” features when buying a new home - with solar panels being the most in-demand.
Electrify Britain calls for government action
The surge in public interest has prompted Electrify Britain to call on the government to ensure that all new build homes come fully electrified – a move supported by 43% of survey respondents.
Interestingly, older generations are leading the charge: over half (51%) of the Silent Generation (80+) agree with the policy, compared to 40% of Gen Z.
“Electrification isn’t just about innovation,” added Born. “It’s about affordability, energy security, and fairness. The government needs to rebalance energy bills so electricity isn’t unfairly priced compared to gas.”
Electrify Britain is also urging immediate reforms to remove policy costs from electricity bills and to invest in local energy generation, making it easier for homeowners to make the leap to electric – whether it’s to save money, reduce emissions, or simply keep up with the neighbours.
News Editor Joseph has previously written for Today’s Media and Chambers & Partners, focusing on news for conveyancers and industry professionals. Joseph has just started his own self build project, building his own home on his family’s farm with planning permission for a timber frame, three-bedroom house in a one-acre field. The foundation work has already begun and he hopes to have the home built in the next year. Prior to this he renovated his family's home as well as doing several DIY projects, including installing a shower, building sheds, and livestock fences and shelters for the farm’s animals. Outside of homebuilding, Joseph loves rugby and has written for Rugby World, the world’s largest rugby magazine.
