Warm home 'a must for buyers'

Article date : 12/02/2010

While the appearance of older properties can often attract buyers to them, the reality of living in such homes - which are frequently cold or draughty - may put people off from owning one, it has been claimed.

According to Natalie Gameseon, in an article for the Daily Mail, often such buildings lack double glazing or adequate insulation and planning restrictions can make it difficult to add these fixtures.

As a result, she noted many people may prefer to move into more modern homes, although there are plenty of ways to improve existing central heating systems.

Ms Gameson advises checking out the government's Warm Front and boiler scrappage schemes, which provide finding towards the cost of improving central heating systems and making them more energy efficient.

Meanwhile, recommending ways to stay warm, Savills's interior designer Simon Buhl Davis told Ms Gameson: "If you burn candles and can see a flame, you will automatically feel warmer. Real flame gas fires are also a fairly quick fix as long as you have a gas supply."

When buying a new home, the Energy Saving Trust urged buyers to find out the age of the boiler, as if it is more than a decade old it could soon need replacing.

Written by Jasper Cullen

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