Searches for homes with air conditioning on Rightmove have more than doubled this summer, rising by 104% compared with the same period last year, as new research suggests many households are becoming more conscious of how well their homes cope during hot weather.
New consumer research from Rightmove, the UK’s largest property platform, reveals that recent heatwaves are influencing how Brits think about their homes, with staying cool becoming a key priority.
The survey of 1,062 adults found that only 11% believe their home stays very comfortable during periods of hot weather and heatwaves, while 45% say their property struggles to stay cool. The findings suggest that hotter summers are beginning to influence future home-moving decisions. 87% say a home’s ability to stay cool in summer is important when choosing their next home.
To cope with rising temperatures this summer, many households are already making practical changes. The most common measure is adding blinds, curtains or window film, with 56% having already done so. Almost half (48%) have installed a fan, while 38% have improved insulation and 29% have planted trees or added shading in their garden. 61% would consider installing air conditioning, but only 12% have already done so, while 58% would consider adding external shading such as shutters or awnings, and 52% would consider improving ventilation.
Rightmove’s property expert Colleen Babcock says: “This summer’s heatwaves appear to be influencing how people think about their homes, with more movers searching for properties that already have air conditioning and many others considering installing it themselves.”
“While location, space and affordability remain key priorities, our research suggests that people are paying closer attention to how comfortable a home will be during hotter weather. Many households are already making practical changes to keep cool, while others are factoring these considerations into their next move.”
Mark Wiggin, director of Mark Wiggin Estate Agents, says:“This summer’s heatwaves have made buyers think more carefully about how a home performs in hot weather. We’re seeing growing interest in features that can help keep homes comfortable, such as air source heat pumps, solar panels and air conditioning. Overseas buyers in particular increasingly expect air conditioning as standard, and we’re beginning to see more conversations about it here in the UK too.
“At the same time, buyers are paying much closer attention to running costs than they did a few years ago. Energy efficiency and a home’s ability to stay comfortable throughout the year have become much more important considerations when people are deciding where to live.”
James Waight, head of sales at John D Wood & Co. says: “Keeping cool is increasingly becoming part of the property wish list, particularly as we experience what is on course to be the hottest summer on record. We are seeing buyers pay closer attention to air conditioning, ventilation and how well a home retains a comfortable temperature during warmer months. Overheating is a particular consideration for contemporary properties with extensive glazing, which can become surprisingly hot in summer.
“As a result, buyers are becoming increasingly mindful of how a property is constructed and how efficiently it performs throughout the year – looking for homes that can stay cool in summer while also retaining heat in winter. With heatwaves becoming an increasingly familiar part of British summer, this is no longer simply a nice to have but an important factor in the decision to buy a property.”
