Green credentials of a building increasingly important to tenants

Over four in ten tenants (42%) consider how eco-friendly a building is when choosing a rental property, according to recent research from Your Move.

This figure jumps even higher – to half – for those looking to rent homes in London, with many tenants in the capital believing that green living initiatives are important.

The findings, part of a survey carried out by Your Move’s sister company, LSL’s PRIsm, also underlined a connection between the amount of rent paid and the importance of a building’s green credentials. For example, those who pay more rent per month are – on average - also more likely to consider a building’s environmental credentials as vital. Some 63% of those who pay between £1351-1600 per month expressed this view, in comparison to just 37% of those paying £350 or less.

As well as the environmental impact of their homes, green spaces were also a key concern for many tenants. Almost a third (32%) of those surveyed said they were interested in a communal garden, with 30% willing to pay more for a vegetable allotment.

“Whether it’s to reduce their energy consumption, save money or make a positive impact on the environment, it’s good to see that tenants consider the ‘greenness’ of a building an important factor in their rental decision,” Martyn Alderton, national lettings director at Your Move and Reeds Rains, said.

“As we continue to build more and more homes for our growing population, it’s vital that we do whatever we can to create a more sustainable future for our planet and use our resources as carefully as possible.”