According to research published by Knight Frank and EC Harris, the British public have a positive attitude towards both newly constructed ‘eco-homes’ and environmentally friendly upgrades to present homes present houses..

The research showed that although the traditional factors of price, proximity to schools and privacy were still the most important issues when it comes to buying a home, 43% of respondents said the environmental issues were of significance significant when making that same decision.

When the survey asked about future property purchases, environmental factors became even more significant. Around 76% claimed energy efficiency was an important factor, 96% considered low running costs as significant and 58% could see the cost saving benefits of renewable energy sources. Although concerns have been raised about the cost of ‘eco homes’, 58% of respondents said that they ‘would be willing to pay a premium’ for such properties.

The research also looked at attitudes to upgrading current homes with more energy efficient features. Some 87% of those asked said that they would not oppose fitting those features if it was made compulsory and 86% would be open to the offer of more information on eco-measures.

Mark Farmer, head of private residential at EC Harris , said: “The real challenge for the industry is how to deliver the required step change towards zero carbon by 2016 within the parameters of technical and financial viability. Despite the likely increase in market sentiment towards eco - friendly residential product and the ability for developers to drive value, the current cost premiums for compliance are not sustainable in real terms. Innovation and supply chain diversification will be key to creating a viable platform for delivery of zero carbon homes in the future.”