Estate agents 'ignorant on green issues'

Posted: 27 Aug 2008 11:43:21 GMT

The Energy Saving Trust (EST) has criticised estate agents for their alleged lack of knowledge over the green issues affecting the housing market.

Research carried out by the association indicated that 56 per cent of estate agents don't know enough about energy efficiency performance, even though home owners can sell at a premium if they have a top-rated property.

In total, the EST suggested that average buyers would be willing to pay £3,350 more for a green home, money that sellers could be missing out on because of a lack of awareness from their estate agents.

Jon McGowan, a representative of the trust, said that it is encouraging the extent to which green measures have become important in the buying and selling of property.

"In the current economic climate, it makes sense to ensure that the running costs of the home you are living in, or buying, are as low as possible, as well as helping to cut down on your carbon dioxide emissions," he added.

Meanwhile, research from Prudential has suggested that pensioners still hold a large amount of equity in their property, despite the short-term decline in house prices.

The financial services company estimated that property assets held by those over 65 in England and Wales equate to more than £726.4 billion.


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