The latest research by Birmingham estate and lettings agent, Barrows and Forrester, has revealed which pockets of the property market present homebuyers with the best chance of a below average carbon footprint but with the added bonus of below average property prices.
The research by Barrows and Forrester analysed data on CO2 emissions per capita across each county, as well as the cost of buying a home. Across England as a whole, we produce 4.9 tonnes of CO2 emissions per capita (or person) each year, while the current average cost of a home is £280,921.
There are just 22 counties where the total CO2 emissions per capita come in below the national average of 4.9 tonnes a year, with just eight of these also offering more affordable property values when compared to the national average.
At just £120,228, County Durham is the most affordable spot to buy a home for those who may be conscious of their carbon footprint. The county sees just 4.5 tonnes of carbon emissions generated per person each year and is 57% more affordable to buy a home versus the national average.
In fact, the North East is home to the top two most affordable options for a low carbon lifestyle. The average property price in Tyne and Wear is just £157,163, 44% below the national average, while the average person in the county generates just 4.2 tonnes of C02 per year.
Merseyside (4.3) and West Yorkshire (4.7) are also home to below average carbon emissions while property values come in 38% and 35% under the national average respectively.
However, Northumberland is the county to head for, for those who value their carbon footprint first and a bricks and mortar bargain second.
The average person in Northumberland generates just 2.1 tonnes of C02 emissions per year – by far the lowest level of all counties. What’s more, at £184,928, the county is also home to some of the lowest house prices in the land, coming in 34% below the national average.
Greater Manchester, the Isle of Wight and Cornwall complete the list of counties offering both below average property prices and a below average carbon footprint.
Managing Director of Barrows and Forrester, James Forrester, commented: “As a nation, we’re becoming increasingly more aware of our impact on the planet and the vital role we play in making a difference. This is no different when it comes to our homes and there are a wealth of things we can do in order to make a change. These range from improving energy efficiency, using greener energy, growing our own food and doing away with single use plastics, to name but a few.
However, it can feel like an uphill struggle at times and so purchasing a property in an area with far lower carbon emissions is a good place to start for those who want to surround themselves with like-minded individuals. The good news is, it doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg and there are a number of counties where both CO2 emissions and property prices sit below the national average.”
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