Take a look at some of Southend's most environmentally friendly properties for sale. 

Following the launch of the Government’s £2 billion Green Homes Grant scheme property site Zoopla has revealed some of the top eco-friendly properties currently for sale in Southend.

These homes boast a wide range of cutting-edge energy saving features, including passive heating systems, mechanical heat recovery, triple glazed windows, solar panels, energy performance certificates of 80+ and all enjoy energy efficiency ratings of A or B.

With climate change a growing concern for many, demand for eco-homes has been building over the last five years, with searches for eco-homes and gardens rising steadily since 2015.

Going green

The eco-properties available in and around Southend feature some world-leading, eco-friendly technologies, and for homeowners who want to be more green in their current property, a new Government initiative will support their efforts.

Under the Government’s new Green Homes Grant initiative, homeowners in the town will be entitled to claim up to two-thirds of the bill for certain types of work done to improve their property’s energy efficiency, up to a maximum spend of £5,000.

The scheme will also see the Government foot the bill for low-income households, up to a maximum spend of £10,000. 

Recent Zoopla data shows that 200,000 homes in England alone have an EPC rating of G, the lowest score on the energy efficiency scale. This shows the need for homeowners to improve efficiency and reduce costs.

Here are some of Southend's best eco-friendly listings:

London Hill, Rayleigh, SS6

£975,000

Echo:

This impressice newly built home offers contemporary luxury living without costing the earth, literally. 

At just under one million, this home boasts five bedrooms, three receptions and two bathrooms. 

The property boasts a category B energy efficiency rating of 87 with the potential to increase that to a category A.

In catchment to Rayleigh Primary School and Fitzwimarc Secondary School this property is ideal for a modern family. 

For more information visit Zoopla.

Percy Road, Leigh-on-Sea, SS9

£995,000

Echo:

The epitome of modern living, this impeccable home boasts a stunning interior as well as manicured garden and driveway parking for two cars with an electric car charger point.  

There are four bedrooms, four reception rooms and two bathrooms offering flexible living space. 

The property falls within the catchment for Westleigh and Belfairs Academy catchments. 

For more information visit Zoopla. 

Saving pennies…and the planet

Zoopla has created some top tips for Southend homeowners who want to take advantage of the Grant to reduce the carbon footprint of their property. The tips also include habitual changes that, whether homeowners apply for the Grant or not, will help reduce energy bills.

The budget-friendly tips include ensuring your home is properly insulated, switching off electronics when not in use and installing natural energy like solar panels to reduce reliance on mains electricity.

Little switches matter

We don’t all have the means to make big switches to make our properties more eco-friendly, but Zoopla stresses that little, everyday choices can still go a long way to improve the energy efficiency of your home.

Remember to:

  • Switch off the lights in rooms you aren’t using
  • Disable stand-by mode for frequently used technology and switch appliances off at the plug when not in use
  • Be conscious of water usage – consider timing your showers and only fill your kettle with as much water as you need
  • Shop around for a cheaper energy supplier – there are savings to be had if you do your research
  • Apply for energy-saving grants in your area

Tom Parker, consumer spokesman at Zoopla, added: “As we become more environmentally conscious, The Green Homes Energy Grant is a great way to lessen our impact on the planet by improving the energy efficiency of our homes, while saving money on energy bills.

“The good news is there is a host of options that homeowners and landlords can implement that are eligible for a grant - from improved insulation to secondary or double glazing, through to biomass boilers and air source heat pumps."

For more tips and tricks to make your home more energy efficient, visit Zoopla.