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North Wales Live
14-05-2025
- Business
- North Wales Live
Renters reveal their top home improvements as they embrace their space
Summer is a time for home renovations and decorative upgrades, and this year it seems that British renters are finding even more creative ways to put a personal touch on their properties. New research from Smart Energy GB has found that June is the most popular month for a 'renters refresh' as nice weather inspires home changes (37%), spending almost £700 on average making stylistic changes to their homes. Yet, while June signals a moment of change for many, half (50%) of renters say they update their space several times a year with clever, often temporary, upgrades to showcase their personalities and create functional, beautiful spaces to build lasting memories. Video Loading More simple changes like replacing hardware on cabinetry and storage (18%) and switching up home accessories to add pops of colour (44%) also help renters put a stamp on their properties. In fact, renters have found even more creative ways to add their own flair to their property, including using removable vinyl flooring (18%) and adhesive tiles (16%). And it's not just aesthetic changes taking place in the homes of British renters - more than a quarter (28%) of renters say they've made changes to make their homes more energy efficient. For many, this comes in the form of taking ownership of their household energy management, by switching to LED lightbulbs (48%), choosing their preferred energy provider (22%) and getting a smart meter installed (38%). Steve Pimblett, Chief Data Officer at Rightmove, adds: 'Energy efficiency is one of the top priorities for renters, with 88% valuing a low carbon footprint and 80% considering it in their next move. Renters are not only aware of the importance but are also willing to act, with most of them ready to pay more for energy-efficient homes and encouraging their landlords to make green upgrades to help save on their energy bills.' While nearly a quarter (23%) of renters admit to being unaware that they could request a smart meter installation in their property, if your energy bills are in your name, it's easy to arrange with your energy supplier. However, it is recommended you let your landlord know before you upgrade. The benefits of doing so for renters are clear, with 29% feeling more in control of their energy usage and bills. Smart Energy GB has teamed up with author and interiors expert, Kate Watson-Smyth. She added: 'It's so important to feel in control of the place you call home, from renter-friendly decorating hacks to simple swaps that can save energy and money. Here are my top tips to embrace the space and make the most of every corner of your home: Swap Out Harsh Lighting Rentals can often have bright, cold white bulbs installed, especially in kitchens and bathrooms. Swap them for warm white LED bulbs. Upgrade the Shower Head Most bathrooms use standard fittings, so replacing the shower head is a simple upgrade that can make a big difference. Keep the old one so you can swap it back before you leave! Use Your Own Curtains Curtains are easy to store and are a great touch to elevate a space. Swap out existing ones for styles you like, and consider adding thermal lining to keep your home warmer and reduce heating costs. Change back before you go so you can use them again. Block Draughts Creatively Prevent cold air from creeping in under doors by sewing your own draught excluders. Hang Art Without Damaging Walls Artwork and pictures are a great way of adding a personal touch to your home. In period rentals with picture rails, use chains and hooks to hang art without nails. Work With Unchangeable Décor If you're stuck with uninspiring features, like that classic 'rental grey' carpet, try incorporating that colour into rugs, cushions, or lampshades. Soften the Kitchen Aesthetic Give your kitchen a quick facelift by using tile stickers and replacing cabinet handles. Dimming harsh lighting and placing a small table lamp on the counter can make the space feel warmer and more inviting. Request a Smart Meter If the energy bills are in your name, you can request a smart meter from your energy supplier at no extra cost, just remember to keep your landlord in the loop. They come with an in-home display that shows how much energy you're using in near-real time. Victoria Bacon, Director at Smart Energy GB, said: 'British renters are incredibly innovative when it comes to personalising their homes. 'But it's not just decoration. Many are also making changes to save themselves some money, including choosing to request a smart meter from their energy supplier. Smart meters enable you to track and manage your energy use and many people are able to make savings as a result - just remember to let your landlord know.' Of those who have made changes to their rental property, 86% say the time and effort has been worth it as it makes them feel more at home (63%). In fact a few tweaks can go a long way when it comes to making renters feel at home, just a further (22%) say their property felt like home when they moved in, versus 60% after making a few changes.
Wales Online
14-05-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
Renters reveal their top home improvements as they embrace their space
Renters reveal their top home improvements as they embrace their space New research from Smart Energy GB has found that June is the most popular month for a 'renters refresh' as nice weather inspires home changes (37%), spending almost £700 on average making stylistic changes to their homes More than a quarter (28%) of renters say they've made changes to make their homes more energy efficient Summer is a time for home renovations and decorative upgrades, and this year it seems that British renters are finding even more creative ways to put a personal touch on their properties. New research from Smart Energy GB has found that June is the most popular month for a 'renters refresh' as nice weather inspires home changes (37%), spending almost £700 on average making stylistic changes to their homes. Yet, while June signals a moment of change for many, half (50%) of renters say they update their space several times a year with clever, often temporary, upgrades to showcase their personalities and create functional, beautiful spaces to build lasting memories. SEGB - Make it Your Own More simple changes like replacing hardware on cabinetry and storage (18%) and switching up home accessories to add pops of colour (44%) also help renters put a stamp on their properties. In fact, renters have found even more creative ways to add their own flair to their property, including using removable vinyl flooring (18%) and adhesive tiles (16%). And it's not just aesthetic changes taking place in the homes of British renters - more than a quarter (28%) of renters say they've made changes to make their homes more energy efficient. For many, this comes in the form of taking ownership of their household energy management, by switching to LED lightbulbs (48%), choosing their preferred energy provider (22%) and getting a smart meter installed (38%). Article continues below Steve Pimblett, Chief Data Officer at Rightmove, adds: 'Energy efficiency is one of the top priorities for renters, with 88% valuing a low carbon footprint and 80% considering it in their next move. Renters are not only aware of the importance but are also willing to act, with most of them ready to pay more for energy-efficient homes and encouraging their landlords to make green upgrades to help save on their energy bills.' While nearly a quarter (23%) of renters admit to being unaware that they could request a smart meter installation in their property, if your energy bills are in your name, it's easy to arrange with your energy supplier. However, it is recommended you let your landlord know before you upgrade. The benefits of doing so for renters are clear, with 29% feeling more in control of their energy usage and bills. Smart Energy GB has teamed up with author and interiors expert, Kate Watson-Smyth. She added: 'It's so important to feel in control of the place you call home, from renter-friendly decorating hacks to simple swaps that can save energy and money. Here are my top tips to embrace the space and make the most of every corner of your home: Swap Out Harsh Lighting Rentals can often have bright, cold white bulbs installed, especially in kitchens and bathrooms. Swap them for warm white LED bulbs. Upgrade the Shower Head Most bathrooms use standard fittings, so replacing the shower head is a simple upgrade that can make a big difference. Keep the old one so you can swap it back before you leave! Use Your Own Curtains Curtains are easy to store and are a great touch to elevate a space. Swap out existing ones for styles you like, and consider adding thermal lining to keep your home warmer and reduce heating costs. Change back before you go so you can use them again. Block Draughts Creatively Prevent cold air from creeping in under doors by sewing your own draught excluders. Hang Art Without Damaging Walls Artwork and pictures are a great way of adding a personal touch to your home. In period rentals with picture rails, use chains and hooks to hang art without nails. Work With Unchangeable Décor If you're stuck with uninspiring features, like that classic 'rental grey' carpet, try incorporating that colour into rugs, cushions, or lampshades. Soften the Kitchen Aesthetic Give your kitchen a quick facelift by using tile stickers and replacing cabinet handles. Dimming harsh lighting and placing a small table lamp on the counter can make the space feel warmer and more inviting. Request a Smart Meter If the energy bills are in your name, you can request a smart meter from your energy supplier at no extra cost, just remember to keep your landlord in the loop. They come with an in-home display that shows how much energy you're using in near-real time. Find out more about smart meters for renters HERE. Victoria Bacon, Director at Smart Energy GB, said: 'British renters are incredibly innovative when it comes to personalising their homes. Article continues below 'But it's not just decoration. Many are also making changes to save themselves some money, including choosing to request a smart meter from their energy supplier. Smart meters enable you to track and manage your energy use and many people are able to make savings as a result - just remember to let your landlord know.' Of those who have made changes to their rental property, 86% say the time and effort has been worth it as it makes them feel more at home (63%). In fact a few tweaks can go a long way when it comes to making renters feel at home, just a further (22%) say their property felt like home when they moved in, versus 60% after making a few changes.
The Sun
14-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Brits renting spend nearly £700 on décor to make rentals feel like home
RENTERS are spending almost £700 on 'removable' décor to help their house feel more like a home during their tenancy. A study of 1,000 private renters found they enhance their spaces with adhesive tiles (16 per cent), hooks for hanging plants (17 per cent), and removable wallpaper (16 per cent). 3 3 While 14 per cent are installing wireless stick-on wall sconces, and 23 per cent have added smart lighting in the home. It also emerged 70 per cent have made updates to personalise their property – with 86 per cent saying the time and money spent is worth it. But it's not just about aesthetics – 28 per cent are also focused on making their home more energy efficient. Of those, 38 per cent have had a smart meter installed to better manage energy use, with 31 per cent switching to energy-efficient appliances, and 22 per cent choosing their preferred energy provider, according to the research commissioned by Smart Energy GB. Steve Pimblett, chief data officer at Rightmove, said: 'Energy efficiency is one of the top priorities for renters, with 88 per cent valuing a low carbon footprint and 80 per cent considering it in their next move. 'Renters are not only aware of the importance but are also willing to act, with the vast majority of them ready to pay more for energy-efficient homes and encouraging their landlords to make green upgrades to help save on their energy bills.' The study also found the personal touches that bring the most joy include photos of loved ones (43 per cent), soft furnishings (41 per cent), and chosen home accessories (41 per cent). Adding plants (39 per cent) and flowers (34 per cent) also boosts happiness for many. Softer lighting (27 per cent), colourful walls (21 per cent), and smart technology (14 per cent) have further helped renters feel happier in their homes. Victoria Bacon, director at Smart Energy GB, added: 'British renters are incredibly innovative when it comes to personalising their homes. 'But it's not just decoration. Many are also making changes to save themselves some money, including choosing to request a smart meter from their energy supplier. 'Smart meters enable you to track and manage your energy use, and many people are able to make savings as a result – just remember to let your landlord know.' Upon moving in, 36 per cent felt the property needed improvement, prompting their décor upgrades. For others, the motivation was emotional – 22 per cent said the place didn't feel like home, while 14 per cent wanted their surroundings to reflect their personality. The research, conducted via OnePoll, also found 45 per cent are most likely to tackle these home updates between May and August, with warmer weather sparking inspiration for 37 per cent. A third (34 per cent) said spring and summer let them get out in the garden for DIY, while 30 per cent claim longer days help them make progress. Interior expert Kate Watson-Smyth, who is working with Smart Energy GB, said: 'It's so important to feel in control of the place you call home - from renter-friendly decorating hacks to simple swaps that can save energy and money.' 1. Swap harsh lighting for warm white LED bulbs to create a softer, more inviting atmosphere and save energy. 2. Upgrade your shower head for better water pressure, efficiency, and a more enjoyable daily routine. Keep the old one so you can swap it back when you leave. 3. Use your own curtains to personalize your space and add thermal lining for extra warmth and energy savings. Swap back before you go and use them again. 4. Block draughts with homemade excluders that are easy to make, store, and hang when not in use. 5. Hang art without damaging walls using picture rails or self-adhesive hooks for a renter-friendly personal touch. 6. Work with unchangeable décor by matching existing features with coordinated accessories for a cohesive look. 7. Soften your kitchen's look with tile stickers, new cabinet handles, and warm lighting like a countertop lamp. Remember to put the original handles back when you move out. 8. Request a smart meter to monitor energy use in near-real time and manage your bills more efficiently. 3
Daily Mail
13-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Shirley resisted a smart meter for TEN YEARS. Then she finally caved in - and got a bill for £5,230
Shirley Goldstein fought for close to a decade against having smart meters installed in her three-bedroom bungalow in Chigwell, Essex. She received countless letters from various energy suppliers over the years asking her to switch meters, but held out because she was perfectly happy with her existing ones and wary of the new versions that would replace them. 'The energy giants have been hounding me for years, but I simply refused to be bullied into taking out something I do not want or entirely trust,' says Shirley. 'They wheeled out a whole host of excuses, claiming my existing meters were too old, even though they worked perfectly well.' Eventually Shirley, 93, relented and agreed to let supplier EDF Energy install gas and electricity smart meters in her home. Like many energy suppliers, EDF sometimes offers competitive fixed-rate tariffs that are available only to households with smart meters. 'I agreed only when they told me that I had to have them fitted to enjoy cheaper energy tariffs,' she says. Yet within a year she bitterly regretted it, when her gas bill suddenly hit an eyewatering £5,231. 'Where do they think I live – Buckingham Palace?' says Shirley. 'The bill nearly gave me a heart attack!' She usually pays £143 a month for both gas and electricity. Shirley is far from alone in her wariness. Although Smart Energy GB, which manages the consumer engagement campaign for smart meters, says more than four in five people are happy with their smart meters, plenty are not. About one in ten new smart meters does not work properly, according to Government figures. When this happens, they revert to operating like a traditional meter and require regular readings. Some households have reported problems with signals meant to send readings back to the supplier being blocked in areas with poor mobile phone reception, thick house walls or due to battery failure in the units. When Shirley saw the £5,231 bill she called EDF but says she got only a recorded message. 'It kept repeating how busy they were, and that I should call back later, which I did but it was the same thing,' she says. 'When I emailed I got no reply. It's a total disgrace.' She says she was plagued by sleepless nights from the constant worry until she asked her daughter, Nadine, to help. Nadine, 67, from Loughton, Essex, eventually reached someone within EDF's customer services. 'The call handler asked us to take photos of the meter,' says Nadine. 'This required us to get down on our hands and knees because the new meters have been installed at ground level. 'Whoever installed them seemed to want to make it as difficult as possible to read.' Despite emailing photos to EDF identifying the model of smart meters plus readings for gas and electricity three separate times, Nadine was told they needed to submit further readings. And the bill has yet to be corrected. Nadine says: 'We have been fighting this for the past four months and are now being told that the new gas meter was never registered – whatever that means. 'But it still does not explain this sum of money that is being demanded. And while EDF says it is looking into the problem, the bill remains the same. Had my mother not had family around she might well have been bullied into paying the huge bill.' Shirley adds: 'I wish I'd stood my ground and not had my meter replaced. Until I get the right bill, I won't be happy. It's a simple thing to fix but it's taking a toll on my health.' EDF now says when the smart meters were installed the new electricity meter details and the unit reading on it were updated on its system, but this did not happen with the gas meter. This meant that when Shirley submitted a gas reading it led to the wildly incorrect balance showing on her account. A spokesman for EDF says: 'Following the installation of smart meters, the gas meter details were not updated successfully. 'When the customer submitted a gas reading this led to an incorrect balance of £5,231 (which has now been reversed) appearing on her online account. 'We are really sorry this was not identified sooner and we are working with the customer to get this resolved. 'Once the account has been updated with the correct gas meter details, we will issue an accurate bill and apply a goodwill credit for the inconvenience caused.' Can you save money on energy bills? Check the best fixed deals When energy prices spiked most households slipped energy price cap tariffs, but it is now possible again to switch to fixed rate energy deals that can save you money. This is Money's recommended partner uSwitch lets you compare the best energy deals for you, based on your home and gas and electricity costs. > Compare the best energy deals with uSwitch* By entering your address and energy usage, you can search for energy deals that can cut your costs and suit how you live. Switching energy provider can also help the planet, if you move to one of the green deals offering electricity from renewable sources and more environmentally-friendly gas.
Scotsman
02-05-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Britain embraces the 'Greenovation' with green home upgrades
Brits are embracing green home upgrades and, while reducing the household's carbon footprint is a motivating factor for some, it's the financial benefits that are driving this 'greenovation' shift. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Brits are embracing green home upgrades and, while reducing the household's carbon footprint is a motivating factor for some, it's the financial benefits that are driving this 'greenovation' shift. In fact, new research from Smart Energy GB has found that homeowners' number one reason for installing new eco-features is to reduce their household bills and save money (49%); with added benefits including enhancing energy efficiency (38%), improving functionality (18%) and modernising the property (15%). With this in mind, the research has revealed that over half (58%) of households agree that making eco-friendly home upgrades enable short-term saving on bills, while 64% agree that they contribute to boosting the value of a property. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad And it seems to be paying off already, with 95% of greenovators saying they have saved money by making eco-upgrades to their property. Households have estimated that these changes have already brought their bills down by over £300 per year on average. But it's not just short-term gains creating the benefits. Home additions like switching to LED lighting (21%), upgrading the boiler (18%) and solar panels (17%) will help households to continue to save money in the future. While the positive impact of these eco-actions is clear, it is those who have had a smart meter installed who are feeling the most benefits (20%). This simple upgrade has been revealed as many households' first step on a green home journey, with 37% saying they enjoy being able to track their energy usage in near-real time with their smart meter. What's more, 34% say they better understand their energy usage since making the move. Smart meters are installed at no extra cost by your energy supplier and owners who say it has helped them save money estimate it has lowered their energy costs by, on average, £176 per year. They also allow households to make the most of energy reward schemes, which encourage and reward customers for using energy at different times of the day. The research also found that property content on TV, social media and from home influencers is encouraging the greenovation trend. 40% say that they have been inspired to make home improvements such as having a heat pump installed (13%) and having draught-proofing fitted (11%) after seeing it on their screens. Data from the UK's number one property website, Rightmove, further highlights the financial return that can be yielded from making sustainable improvements to a property. Rightmove's Energy Bills Tracker** reveals that if an average three bed terraced house increased its EPC rating from E to B, it could save a household over £2,200 per year on their bills. And the long-term gains don't end there - Rightmove's data also showed that a significant 77% of homeowners are willing to pay more for an energy-efficient home. In line with this growing trend, Smart Energy GB found that over three quarters (80%) of homeowners plan to make sustainable improvements to make their homes more energy and cost-efficient in the next three years, from upgrading their boiler to installing solar panels. And looking ahead, a significant 69% of households say that it is important to them that their next property has eco-friendly upgrades. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad In a new piece of content released today, Smart Energy GB uncovered some of Britain's most unique eco-homes to showcase the adjustments that have been made. In the film, TV presenter and property expert Scarlette Douglas tours interesting eco-features of two homes and finds out how a smart meter has helped the household on their journey to becoming more efficient and reducing bills. Scarlette Douglas said: I really enjoyed having the opportunity to partner with Smart Energy GB and uncover how Brits are greenifying their homes - from solar powered lighting to rainwater recycling, it's cool to see the new and quirky eco-elements people are adding to their homes. The financial benefits people see with the help of a smart meter are clear, too. From small steps to the more aspirational, I certainly feel inspired by the homes I've visited and the people I've met. Steve Pimblett, Chief Data Officer at Rightmove, said: Over the past few years we've seen more people searching for energy efficient features when they're looking to move home. Our data shows that making green changes can lead to significant energy bill savings, with those living in the least energy efficient homes typically paying almost ten times more each year on energy bills, compared with those living in the highest rated homes. Victoria Bacon, Director at Smart Energy GB, comments: Making eco-upgrades to your home can be easy, accessible and impactful. One small change - like requesting a smart meter from your energy supplier - can help to kickstart your green home journey. But changes like this don't just help reduce energy waste, they also help bring down energy bills, all while future-proofing your property. For more information on smart meters or energy reward schemes, search 'Get a smart meter'.
