The new partnership seeks to assist homebuyers by making it easier for them to find properties that feature low-carbon technology. According to Rightmove, the number of property listings mentioning heat pumps has surged by 46%, while references to solar panels have increased by 37% year-on-year. This demonstrates a clear trend of growing interest in green energy solutions, which Octopus and Rightmove aim to capitalise on with their new initiative.
The Zero Bills Label: A Game Changer for Property Listings
As part of their collaboration, Rightmove has introduced a new “Zero Bills” label for properties equipped with green technology, powered by Octopus Energy’s smart energy tariff. The label highlights homes that guarantee zero energy bills for up to 10 years, thanks to features such as heat pumps, solar panels, and home batteries.
This initiative offers a practical advantage for buyers seeking to reduce their long-term living costs. Rightmove’s CEO, Johan Svanstrom, emphasised the significance of this tool, saying that “helping home-movers navigate to a greener future is a priority for Rightmove.” Through this partnership, the platform now allows developers to showcase homes with Octopus Energy’s Zero Bills tariff, making the properties more attractive to eco-conscious buyers.
The Zero Bills energy tariff is designed to offer significant savings, with home-movers switching from a typical UK home to one featuring green technology expected to save over £2,350 a year on energy costs, according to Rightmove’s data. By leveraging these features, prospective buyers can better understand the financial benefits of choosing a home with sustainable technology.
The Growing Appeal of Green Homes
This partnership comes at a time when eco-friendly living is increasingly at the forefront of many homebuyers’ minds. With energy prices rising and concerns about climate change growing, there is a noticeable shift in the housing market. Homebuyers are not only looking for affordable properties but also considering how sustainable their new homes are.
Greg Jackson, founder and CEO of Octopus Energy, commented on the growing demand for greener homes, noting that “Most people now know someone benefitting from a cost-slashing electric car, and savvy home owners are starting to search for houses with solar panels and heat pumps too.” This sentiment reflects the broader cultural shift towards greener, more energy-efficient living.
According to Rightmove, listings featuring green technologies like solar panels and heat pumps are becoming more common, signalling a trend that developers are eager to cater to. The rising interest in these sustainable technologies could signal a broader shift in how the housing market approaches energy efficiency and environmental impact.
The success of this initiative will likely depend on whether it can reach enough buyers and whether developers continue to prioritise sustainability in their designs. But with rising demand for eco-friendly features, Octopus Energy and Rightmove’s collaboration is positioned to play a significant role in shaping the future of the housing market.
