Searches for UK homes with air conditioning more than double
Searches for UK homes with air conditioning have risen sharply this summer as repeated heatwaves make keeping cool a more important consideration for buyers. The change suggests climate resilience is becoming a larger factor in housing decisions, alongside established priorities such as location, space and affordability.
Rightmove recorded a 104% year-on-year increase in searches for properties with air conditioning, while 87% of respondents said a home’s ability to stay cool mattered when choosing their next property. Although 61% would consider installing air conditioning, only 12% have done so; about 4 million UK homes now have it, but concerns remain over its energy use and emissions.
- Air-conditioning home searches rose 104% this summer.
- Heatwaves are reshaping UK homebuyer priorities.
- Cooling demand raises energy and emissions concerns.
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Air conditioning is still relatively uncommon in British homes, which have traditionally been designed to retain warmth through cooler weather rather than keep occupants cool in prolonged heat. Many households instead use fans, shading and opening windows, although these measures can be less effective during very hot nights or in built-up areas.
Rightmove is a major UK property website, and its search data can indicate what prospective buyers and renters are looking for. Features that help a home cope with hotter weather are increasingly considered alongside factors such as price, size, location and energy efficiency.
The issue is linked to more frequent periods of high temperatures and to the energy needed to run cooling systems. Air conditioning can improve indoor comfort, but it uses electricity and, depending on how that electricity is generated and the equipment used, can contribute to emissions.
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The case for
Supporters of wider home air conditioning argue that repeated extreme heat is becoming a genuine health, comfort and productivity concern, particularly for older people, young children and those in poorly insulated homes. They contend that buyers and householders should be able to adapt their homes to a changing climate, and that modern efficient systems, especially when paired with cleaner electricity and good insulation, can provide reliable cooling without abandoning environmental responsibility.
The case against
Critics argue that making air conditioning a standard response to hotter summers risks increasing electricity demand and emissions, while potentially worsening outdoor heat through waste heat released by units. They favour measures such as shading, ventilation, insulation, reflective materials, trees and better building design, which can cool homes more passively and may be cheaper to operate; in their view, policy should prioritise these approaches before encouraging widespread mechanical cooling.