Property trends come and go, but none are potentially more ‘of the times,’ than the current bias towards 'wood-burner compatibility' and old-fashioned heating methods.
With energy prices on the rise following the Russian invasion of Ukraine earlier this year - and with fears of winter blackouts looming - consumers are increasingly looking for cheaper and more reliable alternatives to gas and electricity to heat their homes.
As a result, sales of wood burning stoves increased by 40% between April and June. This increase in demand, coupled with manufacturing backlogs, supply chain issues and a shortage of iron and steel, is leading manufacturers to now warn consumers of reduced availability until next Summer.
Among those planning a home move in the near future, this trend will inevitably shift the preference towards smaller, open-concept spaces, such as those boasted by this property in Clewer Hill Road, Windsor, which are generally considered more conducive to wood burning stoves than those larger, multi-room homes.
In terms of the advantages one can expect from reverting to more old-fashioned home heating methods, a potential saving of up to 10% on your heating bills is one of the most widely peddled pros. Not only this, they function in spite of power outages and are generally considered more eco-friendly than fossil fuels.
On the down side, wood burning stoves can be expensive to install, and many homes simply cannot accommodate one, hence the influence this trend is having on the property market and buyer behaviour. Not only this, wood burners are not a whole-house solution, and do come with the added concern of particle pollution and increased safety risks.
In summary
Amidst the current energy crisis, wood-burning stoves and open fireplaces understandably represent an attractive selling point, especially for those planning a home move in the winter months.
Of course, there are always many other factors to consider before any onward move, but for the peace of mind that having 'options' for a central heating alternative offers, those properties with pre-installed chimneys and/or wood-burners look set to command a particular premium for some considerably time yet.
For more details on the featured property in Windsor, or to register for similar new listings, please contact Braxton on 01628 674234 or email property@braxtons.co.uk.