Homebuyers overwhelmingly demand solar panels, heat pumps and EV chargers

A survey of 1,000 adults planning to purchase a home in April 2026 found that 93% of prospective buyers want green‑energy features such as solar panels, heat‑pump systems and electric‑vehicle (EV) charging. More than two‑thirds (70%) consider energy‑technology a non‑negotiable factor, and 68% say they would not have looked for these features a year earlier.

Rising energy costs (52%) and a desire for greater energy security (29%) are the main drivers behind the shift. Sixty percent now specifically seek homes with solar panels, 61% want EV‑charging capability, 70% are looking for a heat pump and 63% are interested in home battery storage.

Richie Atkinson, head of future energy homes at E. On Next, said: “The pace of change is striking – over two‑thirds of prospective buyers say features like this wouldn’t have been on their radar a year ago. That shift is now shaping longer‑term buying decisions, and we’re seeing sales up from February this year by 182% for solar and home batteries, 129% for heat pumps and 18% for EV chargers as people factor energy efficiency into what they want from a future home during times of uncertainty.”