Adding air conditioning to a home can increase its value by 1-3%, potentially adding around £8,184 to the average UK property, according to buying agent Robin Edwards of Curetons. This summer home improvement could equate to a £15,000 uplift on higher-value homes, as reported by Sanctuary Bathrooms analysis.
Value uplift and expert views
Mr Edwards explained that in premium properties where overheating is a genuine issue, the value increase could be even higher. "In some premium properties, where overheating is a genuine issue, the uplift could be higher because it helps differentiate the home in a competitive market," he said.
However, he cautioned homeowners not to view air conditioning purely as a financial investment. "Homeowners should still view air conditioning primarily as a way to improve desirability and reduce buyer objections, rather than a guaranteed financial return," Mr Edwards added.
Rising demand and buyer behaviour
Rightmove reported that searches for homes with air conditioning have more than doubled this summer, up 104% compared with the same period last year. The property website's consumer research showed 61% of people would consider installing air conditioning, though only 12% had already done so.
Additionally, 87% of respondents said a property's ability to stay cool was important when choosing their next home. Colleen Babcock, property expert at Rightmove, said: "While location, space and affordability remain key priorities, our research suggests that people are paying closer attention to how comfortable a home will be during hotter weather."
Practical considerations for homeowners
James Waight, head of sales at estate agent John D Wood & Co, noted that a home that stays cool in summer and retains heat in winter was "no longer simply a nice-to-have but an important factor in the decision to buy a property."
Mr Edwards emphasised the importance of installation quality: "A discreet, energy-efficient system that is professionally installed will add far more value than a visible retrofit with bulky units and poor aesthetics."
