Why Isles of Scilly homes sit bottom of an energy league table

If you’ve ever thought about a move to the islands, there’s a figure you might want to weigh up that won’t appear anywhere on the estate agent’s board.

New analysis puts the Isles of Scilly at the very bottom of England and Wales for energy-efficient homes. Just 12.42% of properties there have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of Band C or above.

That is the lowest share of any local authority in the two countries, and it isn’t close. Gwynedd in Wales is next up the table at 27.79%, more than double the Scilly figure.

The research comes from property finance firm Together. It also surveyed 2,000 UK adults on how energy efficiency is changing what people look for when they buy a home.

The areas with the lowest EPC ratings

And at the other end of the table

London takes most of the top spots. Tower Hamlets leads, with 82.21% of homes reaching Band C or above. That is more than six times the proportion on Scilly.

Knowsley (74.40%) and Salford (71.18%) come next.

Why it matters if you’re buying or selling

Together’s survey suggests buyers are paying closer attention to running costs.

Three in four people (74%) said they would pay more for an energy-efficient home. On average they would spend £5,293 extra for a property with better energy efficiency. Almost half (45%) now count low energy bills among the most important things they look for when buying.

For sellers the worry runs the other way. Nearly three-quarters (73%) of those asked are concerned that homes with poor energy efficiency will get harder to sell over the next five years. One in seven (15%) said higher energy costs would be a dealbreaker when buying.

What house hunters are looking for

Some features came up more often than others when people were asked what they want in a new home:

• Solar panels (41%)
• Triple glazing (34%)
• Loft insulation (25%)

The cost of making improvements

Wanting a more efficient home is one thing. Paying for it is another.

Half of those surveyed (50%) said cost is the biggest barrier to making upgrades. A third (34%) said they are actively considering energy-efficient improvements but can’t afford them.

Nearly two-thirds (63%) said they would be more likely to go ahead if affordable finance were available.

Ryan Etchells, Chief Commercial Officer at Together, said: “Rising energy bills have put pressure on all homeowners’ pockets over the past few years. Savvy buyers are now thinking beyond the purchase price of a property, ensuring they’re aware of what a home will cost to run every month.

“Energy efficiency is a key part of affordability, so homes with lower running costs are becoming more attractive. While owners of less efficient properties may need to invest more upfront to save money in the long run, the benefits of home improvements can counter the costs.

“As many homeowners recognise the benefits of improving energy efficiency, finding ways to spread costs through bridging or second charge loans can help homeowners make the improvements they need whilst also increasing their property’s value and appeal.”

More than one in five people asked (22%) think rising energy bills will be one of the biggest factors shaping UK homes by 2030. Only rising house prices scored higher, at 24%.

📷View over St Mary in the Scilly Isles