What to know

• Searches for air-conditioned homes on Rightmove jumped 104% from May–July 2026 vs. the same period last year, driven by intensifying summer heatwaves.
• Estate agents report buyers now routinely ask about ventilation, natural shade, glazing, and energy costs—signaling a shift from treating climate comfort as an afterthought to a core purchase criterion.
• Industry figures expect climate-resilient home features to become standard expectations in property viewings and valuations as hotter summers normalize.

“Energy efficiency and a home's ability to stay comfortable throughout the year have become much more important considerations when people are deciding where to live.”

Mark Wiggin, Director, Mark Wiggin Estate Agents · Evening Standard ↗

Rightmove Property search platformColleen Babcock Property expert, RightmoveIan Harris President, NAEA PropertymarkJames Waight Head of sales, John D Wood & CoMark Wiggin Director, Mark Wiggin Estate Agents