The most energy efficient homes are selling well and finding a buyer faster than average, according to the firm.

Dominic Wedderburn, head of estate agency for Galbraith in Fife and Angus, said: “There has been a noticeable trend over the past six months of strong demand for the most energy-efficient homes and this has accelerated as we head into autumn. Energy efficient properties are attracting viewings as soon as they come on the market and will often command a premium above the asking price, or attract multiple offers at a closing date.

“Some buyers are motivated by the desire to reduce their carbon footprint while others are mindful of the potential heating cost if there is a sudden cold snap. Families in particular prefer a home that is well insulated, with the teenage members of the family pushing parents to be more  environmentally aware, while the parents are more often just thinking about keeping household bills down.”

Galbraith recently sold 2 Kame View, a 4-bedroom new build bungalow near Craigrothie, with triple glazing, underfloor heating, air source heat pump and an energy efficiency rating of B.

Also recently sold, 2 St Michael’s, a beautifully refurbished apartment in a former Church in Cupar, similarly attracted a great deal of interest and was marked under offer within seven days. The property’s energy efficiency was rated D66 –  at the upper limit of the D band, and notably good for an historic building, due to the improvements undertaken during refurbishment.

The third factor that tends to boost interest in contemporary and energy efficient properties is the reduction of uncertainty, as measures to improve energy efficiency in any property can be expensive. Renovation costs have risen significantly over the past five years due to staff shortages in the construction sector and substantial increases in the cost of building materials.

Dominic Wedderburn continued: “If you are buying a property that has already been modernised, or  a new build with an impressive EPC rating, you are not only reducing your heating bills as we come into Autumn, you’re also saving yourself the cost and the hassle of trying to find a building contractor and manage a renovation project. Many buyers are just not prepared to undertake the work themselves.”

Galbraith has 606 properties currently on the market, about 23 per cent higher than during the same period last year. Property sales for 2024 are expected to exceed the figure for last year, as rising interest rates and inflation in 2023 proved a disincentive to buyers. The current approach to interest rates appears to be  to hold steady or reduce rates, offering a potential boost to the market.