With sustainability high on the global agenda, recent data highlights which UK cities combine low carbon footprints and those offering sustainability and property affordability, providing valuable insights for property investors, landlords and developers looking to align their portfolios with environmental goals.
The analysis examined CO2 equivalent (CO2e) emissions per capita across major UK cities to determine their sustainability credentials and paired this with average property prices to reveal where the most cost-effective opportunities lie for environmentally conscious investors.
The UK’s most sustainable cities
The UK’s per capita CO2e emissions average 5.6 tonnes annually, with Brighton (pictured) emerging as the leading city for sustainability, generating just 2.9 tonnes of CO2e emissions per capita. London follows with 3.2 tonnes and Bristol ranks third with 3.3 tonnes of CO2e emissions.
These cities represent the forefront of sustainability efforts, but their property prices reflect their desirability. The average property price is £423,274 in Brighton, £531,212 in London and £358,996 in Bristol, making these regions a premium option for property investors prioritising eco-friendly living.
The UK’s top cities for sustainability and affordability
For property professionals seeking a balance between affordability and sustainability, Liverpool stands out. As the fourth most sustainable city, it generates 3.5 tonnes of CO2e per capita and offers an average property price of just £179,382.
Bradford also offers an attractive combination of sustainability and affordability, ranking fifth with emissions of 3.6 tonnes per capita and an average property price of £187,622. Leicester takes sixth place, with 3.6 tonnes of CO2e emissions, while property prices average £227,951.
Further opportunities can be found in Birmingham, with emissions of 3.7 tonnes per capita and average prices of £234,205, Manchester with emissions of 3.8 tonnes per capita and average property price of £247,901 and Sheffield, where emissions stand at 3.9 tonnes per capita and property prices average £222,914. These cities provide more accessible entry points for property investors and developers keen to align their portfolios with sustainability trends.
Tim Simmons, Sales & Marketing Director at Regency Living, which conducted the research, commented: “We’re becoming increasingly more aware of climate change and how the way we live impacts our planet. So whilst global nations look to combat this issue at COP29, we’re seeing more and more of the population consider how to reduce their carbon footprint at ground level.
Sustainability is now on the radar of homebuyers more than it’s ever been and this means a greater emphasis on certain lifestyle changes, which can influence the homes we live in, how we heat them, how we dispose of waste, and much more.”
For property professionals, these insights not only highlight regions with growing demand for sustainable living but also provide opportunities to cater to eco-conscious tenants or buyers. Whether investing in affordable cities like Liverpool and Bradford or developing energy-efficient housing in more expensive areas like Brighton or Bristol, sustainability is becoming a key factor influencing market decisions.
