More than a third of Britons want to improve the energy efficiency of their homes but say they cannot afford the work, according to research from Together.

The study found that 34% would like to make energy-saving improvements but are constrained by cost, while half of respondents identified expense as the biggest obstacle to upgrading their property.

The findings come as households face higher energy costs, with Ofgem’s energy price cap rising by 4% in October. Together said 57% of respondents reported that rising energy bills and the cost of living had made them more likely to consider improving their home’s energy efficiency.

Access to funding could influence investment decisions, with 63% saying they would be more likely to carry out energy-efficiency work if affordable finance were available. Some 23% said they were already more likely to invest in upgrades.

SEARCH INTEREST RISES

Online search data indicates growing interest in a range of domestic energy measures. Searches for electric vehicle charging points increased by 658% in the 12 months to August 2026, while home battery storage searches rose by 648%.

Searches for smart heating controls increased by 250%, followed by triple glazing at 144% and heat pumps at 105%. Draught proofing recorded an 82% increase, solar panels 50%, loft insulation 21% and cavity wall insulation 15%.

The research also suggests that homeowners increasingly see energy efficiency as a factor in property value as well as running costs.

Solar panels (pictured) were considered the improvement most likely to add value to a property, cited by 41% of respondents. Triple glazing followed at 34%, with loft insulation at 25% and cavity wall insulation at 24%.

Electric vehicle charging points, smart heating controls and heat pumps were each selected by 20%, while home battery storage and draught proofing were each cited by 14%.

Running costs also appear to be influencing buyers’ priorities. Some 45% said low energy bills would be among the most important features when buying their next home, behind only a garden or outdoor space, cited by 48%.

Ryan Etchells, chief commercial officer at Together, said: “Homeowners are increasingly viewing energy efficiency as an investment in their property, rather than simply a way to reduce household bills.

“It’s telling that solar panels are now seen as adding more value than any other upgrade. Buyers are placing greater importance on the long-term cost of running a home, and features that reduce energy bills are becoming increasingly attractive.

“While many homeowners want to make these improvements, the upfront cost remains a significant hurdle.

“Appropriate finance can help spread the investment and make it more accessible for households to invest in upgrades that not only reduce energy costs but also improve the long-term value of their property.”