Home Buyer and Public Attitude to Water Efficiency
For developers, buyer demand for features is of prime importance when specifying a new home. There is a general perception amongst developers that water efficiency will be viewed as a negative by home buyers (NHBC Foundation 2008). However, research by Nationwide Building Society (EDIE 2007) and Sponge (2007) found an increasing awareness and desire for ‘eco’ features amongst home buyers. A survey conducted by Waterwise East and Savills shows that once informed of the advantages, potential home buyers are more positive about water efficient fittings and many say they are willing to pay more for a water efficient home (Waterwise East and Savills, 2008).
Conclusions and Recommendations
- Public perception of water efficiency is not as negative as many developers perceive, even for lack of power showers and water recycling systems.
- Lack of knowledge of financial and environmental benefits of water efficiency are a barrier to demand for water efficiency.
- Developers should increasingly view ‘eco’ features such as water efficiency as a selling point for new homes.
- Developers should highlight potential financial savings on water and energy bills associated with water efficient fittings and environmental benefits of water efficiency.
- Developers should ensure that only quality water efficient fittings are specified to ensure performance is acceptable to homeowners.
- Developers should include detailed information on fittings and benefits in an information pack for the home buyer.
