Released on = August 16, 2007, 10:56 am

Press Release Author = Jimwatson

Industry = Real Estate

Press Release Summary = Eco-houses are becoming increasingly popular, or so it
seems. Every day the news focuses on a new housing development with energy-saving
insulation, wind turbines, solar panels on the roof or an inbuilt water recycling
system. The government, while seeking to rapidly increase the number of homes built,
is also looking to do so in ever greener ways, with the construction industry
charged with reaching the holy grail of making every new home carbon neutral by
2016.

Press Release Body = Eco-houses are becoming increasingly popular, or so it seems.
Every day the news focuses on a new housing development with energy-saving
insulation, wind turbines, solar panels on the roof or an inbuilt water recycling
system. The government, while seeking to rapidly increase the number of homes built,
is also looking to do so in ever greener ways, with the construction industry
charged with reaching the holy grail of making every new home carbon neutral by
2016.

As well as Gordon Brown announcing more grant aid to get homes insulated while he
was still chancellor, the Department of the Environment was recently reported by the
Independent to be working with the housing minister Yvette Cooper on the possible
inclusion of green roofs in her department\'s sustainable housing plans.

Such roofs have been hailed as useful for insulation, water capture (and recycling)
and a general greening of the environment, which - and this may be very relevant to
buy-to-let investors dealing in properties in the heart of cities - help cool down
urban heat traps by reducing carbon dioxide levels, according to research this year
from Manchester University.

But it may not just be city centre dwellers who want to live in a more pleasant
environment. Many people renting from buy-to-let investors may prefer to live in
homes that are eco-friendly and this number may grow. But to ensure enough
properties are eco-friendly means ensuring they are being built in the first place.

This is where sections of the construction industry must catch up, according to
Brian Berry, director of external affairs at the Federation of Master Builders
(FMB).

He said there is a gulf between larger companies, such as Barratt, which are
building eco-homes now and smaller firms, which have to \"get up to speed\".

\"Barratt Homes have got a new housing development near Leeds and they\'re trying to
make [homes] energy efficient and move towards low carbon homes as far as they can,\"
he said. \"They\'re developing the technology for green homes and they\'re using it as
a prototype which they can grow across the country.\"

Smaller firms, however, have a problem, states Mr Berry, in that they are not aware
of the level of demand for eco-homes and assume it is lower than it may actually be:
\"They think that there is a deficient demand at the moment from the public for green
homes, because the challenge has been to provide more homes rather than worrying
about whether they\'re green homes or not.\"

What this could mean is a shortfall in the lack of eco-homes, as well as homes
overall, compared to demand in the next few years, both in the residential and
rental markets. But this may not last too long, for as Mr Berry reminds, 2016 is
approaching and then \"everyone\'s got to respond\". In the meantime, however,
buy-to-let investors may well look to see if there is a potential premium to be
gained on rents for the greenest properties.


Web Site = http://investors.assetz.co.uk/

Contact Details = Assetz House, Newby Road, Stockport, Cheshire, SK7 5DA,
0161-456-4000, linkexchangeseo@gmail.com