We’ve experienced three heatwaves so far this year and summer isn’t over yet. And with UK homes designed to retain rather than dissipate heat, it’s no wonder people are turning to permanent cooling installations to maintain comfort levels in the summer.
Fitting air conditioning It’s becoming a more popular resort for those seeking relief from the sky-high temperatures we’ve seen over the past few summers. i have It was in my own home for over a yearAnd consider it one of the best upgrades I’ve ever done.
But if you’re not in your forever home and you plan to sell in the not-too-distant future, is it still worth installing to increase your home’s resale value? I asked the experts what they thought.
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Can air conditioning add value to a home?
(Image credit: Future plc/ Emma Jackson)
With high temperatures becoming more common, air con units are also able to provide heating in the winter, and with units becoming more readily available and affordable, it is certainly becoming a sought-after feature.
‘Air conditioning It’s fast becoming a must in the UK as our summers get hotter and hotter,” explains Carl McArdle, co-founder. Company buying the property. ‘Not so long ago, having aircon was seen as a bit of a luxury, but now more buyers are starting to see it as a real game-changer in the comfort stakes, especially in new build homes, apartments and south-facing properties that tend to heat up.
‘While it may not have the same wow factor as a loft conversion or a new kitchen, aircon can help your home stand out from the crowd and give you a bit of an edge when it comes to selling price, especially at the higher end of the market where buyers are increasingly expecting more work.’
How much value can air conditioning add to a property?
(Image credit: Future plc/ Emma Jackson)
On average, experts suggest that fitted air conditioning can add 1-3% to a property’s value, as well as make it more attractive to buyers, which can lead to faster sales.
‘As a guide, the right energy-efficient system can add up to 3% to a property’s value, and during hot summers it could be the detail that makes a buyer choose your home over a similar one down the road – particularly in hotter parts of the country like London and the South East,’ says Cal Graham, property expert. We buy any house.
Carl agrees, saying: ‘For the right property, a high-quality system can add somewhere in the region of 1-3% to value. On a house worth around £300,000, it is around £3,000 to £9,000. In many cases though, the real value is not just the extra money, it attracts more buyers, sells faster and gives sellers a stronger hand when it comes to negotiating offers.’
But depending on your installation and where you live, the added value may not cover the cover Installation costBut it’s not the end of the world as Cal explains: ‘Buyers rarely pay a direct pound-for-pound return on installation costs, so it’s best thought of as an aid to quick sales as much as a pure value-add factor.’
How to maximize how much value air conditioning can add
(Image credit: Future plc/ Emma Jackson)
If you are thinking Selling your home In the not-too-distant future, then it’s worth understanding how you can maximize the value that installing air conditioning can add.
‘The key is to treat it like any other quality home improvement,’ says Kell. ‘Choose a modern, energy-efficient system, and ideally one that also heats as buyers are increasingly concerned about running costs and EPC ratings.
‘Use a reputable, certified installer and keep all paperwork, warranty and servicing records to hand, as buyers and their surveyors will want to see them.
‘Position the units sensibly so they don’t spoil the look of the room or the outside, and check whether you need planning permission or freeholder consent before you start.
Can fitting air conditioning ever depreciate a property?
While fitting air conditioning can add value to your home, that’s only if it’s done well. If not, or without Appropriate permissionsThen it can have the opposite effect.
‘Air conditioning systems can depreciate a property, and this is where people can get caught,’ explains Kell. ‘Bulky external condenser units that look out of place or internal units that dominate a room can put off buyers and make a home look less desirable.
‘An old, noisy or poorly maintained unit can also be a red flag for future repair bills rather than a benefit.’
You should also take care to obtain permission from the local planning authority before proceeding with the installation Air conditioning is not allowed.
‘In listed buildings or conservation areas, installation without proper permission can cause real headaches when it comes to sales.’
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