Two-Thirds of UK Homeowners Plan Green Upgrades – But Cost Still Blocks Progress
Two-thirds of UK homeowners are planning green home improvements over the next decade, but cost remains the single biggest barrier, according to NatWest’s Greener Homes Attitude Tracker.
The survey of more than 9,000 UK adults found that 65% of homeowners intend to make upgrades within ten years, while a record 25% plan to start within the next 12 months.
Most popular upgrades
Homeowners are prioritising improvements that boost energy efficiency and reduce bills. The most commonly planned upgrades are:
EV chargers – 34%
Solar panels – 34%
Triple glazing – 33%
Heat pumps – 26%
Insulation also remains a key focus, with more than a third of respondents calling double glazing “essential” or “very important.”
Key barriers
Despite strong interest, affordability continues to slow progress:
74% of homeowners who have no plans for upgrades say cost is the main obstacle.
38% are reluctant to take on additional debt.
32% cite disruption from installation work.
27% believe financing options are too limited.
18% face ownership or structural barriers.
The data also reveals a clear income divide. Among households with annual incomes under £23,000, only 53% have long-term green upgrade plans, compared with 78% of those earning over £57,750.
“Accessible and affordable”
Lloyd Cochrane, Head of Mortgages at NatWest, said:
“It’s promising to see that two-thirds of UK homeowners now have long-term plans to improve the environmental sustainability of their homes, but the research clearly shows that cost remains a significant barrier. Our challenge is to ensure these improvements are as accessible and affordable as possible.”
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