Home values rise by an average 2.7% for every step on 15-point BER scale, rising to 4.7% in rural areas
Analysis from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) shows strong evidence that improving a home’s energy efficiency can significantly increase its market value, all the while reducing energy bills and improving comfort.
Based on data from MyHome on almost 50,000 homes sold during 2023 and 2024, SEAI found that each improvement on the Building Energy Rating (BER) scale is associated with an average 2.7% increase in final sale price nationwide. The effect was strongest in rural Ireland, where each improvement on the scale was linked to a 4.7% increase in value.
The analysis used actual sale prices rather than advertised list prices, offering a clear picture of how much more buyers are willing to pay for more energy-efficient homes. It was completed relative to the familiar 15-point BER scale, ahead of the recent introduction of the simplified 8-point BER scale.
Key findings include:
- Nationally, each step up the (15-point) BER scale is linked to an average increase of 2.7% in the value of a typical Irish home.
- Houses (2.8%) see a slightly higher average uplift than apartments (2.2%).
- The strongest uplift is seen in rural areas, where each BER improvement is associated with an average 4.7% increase in value.
- There was a 2.7% uplift for urban areas outside Dublin versus 1.7% for urban Dublin.
The comparatively lower uplift in urban Dublin may reflect the greater influence of other buyer priorities in the capital such as location, space, and proximity to amenities. However, the research shows that BER improvements can still translate into meaningful euro gains.
The analysis shows energy efficiency is a contributor to value across all market segments and, while the value uplift varies by property type and location, the relationship remains strong even when such price-influencing factors are controlled for.
William Walsh, CEO of SEAI said: “Thousands of homeowners across the country are already enjoying the benefits of retrofitting, living in warmer, more comfortable homes, with cheaper, more predictable energy bills. The research we're publishing today adds yet another compelling reason to upgrade your home - we now have very clear evidence that homebuyers are increasingly valuing the resilience, day-to-day affordability and health benefits of owning a retrofitted home.
"Thanks to unprecedented support from Government, our grants at SEAI are now more generous than ever, with many covering a significant portion of the overall costs involved. There’s never been a better time to retrofit your home, and no matter what stage or budget a homeowner is at, we at SEAI are here to help."
Joanne Geary, Managing Director of MyHome, who collaborated with SEAI on the analysis, said: "We are delighted to partner with the SEAI on this invaluable research, which reinforces the importance of a strong BER for homeowners. The impact of a better BER on day-to-day running costs and the environment is already clear, and now this innovative analysis proves the positive, proportionate effect the rating has on house prices in urban, suburban and rural areas around the country. These research findings give homeowners yet another compelling reason to investigate a home energy upgrade as we look to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels."
The analysis shows that BER improvements often have a stronger impact on final sale prices than on asking prices, suggesting homeowners may be able to unlock additional value by upgrading before selling. Demand is also being driven by buyers seeking improved comfort, as well as lower and more predictable energy bills. Evidence from SEAI-administered upgrade programmes also points to wider benefits, including warmer, more comfortable, and healthier homes. Energy efficiency is increasingly linked to mortgage rates and by extension affordability, with many lenders offering green mortgages for homes rated B or better.
With homes accounting for nearly a quarter of Ireland’s energy use, the study shows how upgrading residential energy performance can support household finances while also contributing to Ireland’s climate goals. In 2025, SEAI government grant schemes supported upgrades in more than 58,600 homes, including more than €230 million investment on free home energy upgrades in 8,100 vulnerable energy poor homes. Homeowners can visit the SEAI website to read the full report and find out more about available home energy upgrade grants and supports.
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