Source: Pexels Author: Redaction Homefullness is a growing trend in the world of interior design, and it can completely transform the way they are felt and recognized the sensations provoked by the environment of the house where they live. It is a concept that starts from the adaptation between well-being and decoration, aiming to generate feelings of tranquility and balance. And today, in order to transform your home based on this concept, SUPERCASA brings you everything you need to know. What does Homefullness presuppose? The main premise of this concept is organization. Harmony , order and organization are key factors to achieve homefullness in your home, with tricks that, although simple at first glance, can take some time to internalize in your daily life , especially if you live with animals and/ or children. Keeping spaces in order is more difficult than one would expect, however, you can adopt some techniques to maintain visual order, that is, the order you see at first sight. Simple tips to achieve homefullness We know that in the rush of everyday life, especially if you live with other people, it may not be simple to achieve all the goals we propose here, but there are techniques that can help you unravel the order behind the chaos. 1. Decompose and dispose of what you no longer use A harmonious house presupposes serene spaces without great visual confusion , which offer space to relax. Here, to help you in this goal, it is important that you look around you, in the various rooms of your home, and realize exactly what are the elements that cause you anxiety, a sense of disorganization and that make your room seem tighter. These are the objects to be disposed of, if they have nothing to add to your well-being. Simplifying the decor of your home will help you achieve the feeling of homefullness, believing that less is more, and a house with less junk will make you feel more comfortable. 2. Connect with natural elements One of the strategies that can help you achieve an interior harmony with the spaces of your home is through the use of natural elements, such as plants that can spread around your home, in strategic places. Invest in these decorative elements and also make sure, if you have a garden, that it is well maintained and you want to spend more time outdoors. 3. Create sacred spaces An organized life also presupposes taking time for yourself. For this, it is essential that there are, in your home, sacred spaces where you practice your well-being and meet with yourself , either to read a book, listen to music or simply take a nap. Surround yourself with calm and relaxing elements, such as those plants we mentioned above, aromatic candles and neutral colors. The truth is that homefullness may not be for everyone , but it is certainly a step towards a more peaceful and relaxed life, even for the most disorganized. And if you can not put into practice all the advice, the important thing is that you feel good about the space you created for yourself, in your home. Stay for more Lifestyle tips with SUPERCASA Notícias . Find out which pieces to use in the decoration of your kitchen , Discover the 5 most contracted household services in 2023 or Transform your home without spending much money
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction The Secretary of State for Energy and Climate announced this Tuesday in Diário da República, the order that anticipates the submission of the proposal for natural gas tariffs for the period between October this year and September 2025. Thus, the social tariff for the regulated natural gas supply will remain in force in 2024, maintaining the 31.2% discount applied to the transitional tariffs for sale to final customers, from which the applicable VAT, taxes, contributions and default rates are excluded. Thus, from October 1 of this year, the discount will be applied, being, as stated by the Secretary of State, Ana Fountoura Gouveia, a measure urgent and unavoidable , being the Regulatory Entity of Energy Services (ERSE) responsible for submitting the proposal, which should present by the end of March. The social tariff is a mechanism for protecting economically vulnerable consumers and combating energy poverty, translated into an important instrument of public policy and social justice, ensuring access to this essential service with less financial effort and greater tariff stability for this universe of consumers, as indicated in the dispatch. The same law states that the operationalization of the measure will consist of an automatic application of the discount in the tariff of access to gas networks at low pressure, allowing the increase of the its scope, ensuring its applicability regardless of the intervention of its beneficiaries. Related topics: Do you know how much you spend preparing food at home? Discover , Renewable energy reaches one of the best European registers and ERSE recommends consumers to consult simulators
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction In previous articles, weve already listed the steps you need to take to start the process of selling a house . If you havent read the previous article, go to First step in selling a house: what to do? and find out exactly what awaits you. SUPERCASA Notícias guides you on this journey, explaining step by step everything you need to know about each of the processes - in this case, the strategies you should adopt to increase the value of your property. What should you do to increase the value of your property? This is one of the first things you need to do before going ahead with publicising your property. At this stage, it is essential that you take a critical view of the property you are selling in order to understand exactly which points can be improved and which ones you should use as strong selling points. Look at your property, see what needs to be improved and get to work! Were not talking about very complex works or those that require a large investment, but rather small improvements that will make all the difference when it comes to publicising your property . If you have an ageing, poorly maintained property that needs work, the less value buyers will want to give for it, so if you want a good return on the sale, you need to take these needs into account. No matter how beautiful or comfortable you think your home is, an investor may not look at it in the same way, so its essential to put yourself in the role of the buyer and carry out as many interventions as possible to increase the fair sale value . 1. Ask for help Before embarking on the valuation process, if you dont know exactly where to start, our advice - which will serve you for every step along the way - is to enlist the help of a specialised professional. This is the most effective way to achieve the best results. An experienced property professional will be able to tell you exactly which points are most or least valued by a buyer. So find a real estate agent or agency, arrange a visit to the property with them and ask for advice. As these professionals have their own tools, such as platforms that can generate Comparative Market Analyses , they will be the right people to tell you exactly what you need to do to add value to your home. 2. Improve the propertys energy quality One of the points most appreciated by buyers is the energy efficiency of a property. We live in a time when environmental concerns are growing and greater care is being taken with materials and equipment. If your house isnt brand new, its advisable to upgrade it from an energy point of view, as this will add value and will be a better selling point. Whats more, because the energy certificate is a mandatory document when selling a property, youll have a better chance of a successful sale if you present a document with good energy data, which will pass with flying colours in the assessment of the experts who will be inspecting the efficiency of the house. Here are some examples of how you can improve the energy quality of the house youre selling: - Install energy-efficient windows: this may seem like a large investment, but it will pay off after the sale, as it is one of the interventions that most increases the value of a property; - Install photovoltaic panels: nowadays, through electricity companies, it is possible to contract the installation of this equipment in an accessible and economical way, which also increases the value of the property. 3. Deep clean If its a property you dont live in, its extremely important that you clean it before you start the publicising process. You dont want photos where the house looks unkempt, dark or untidy, as this will affect the quality of the advert for sale and generate less interest. The same applies if its a house you normally live in. Clean and organise it so that it looks bright, tidy and free of many objects - especially personal belongings. So before you present your house to the world by putting it on the market, make sure it looks good and appealing, especially just before the estate agent visits, who might take the opportunity to take photos of it. 4. Painting, renovations and repairs The aim here is not to completely renovate the house or invest in major alterations, because when youre buying a house youll already have some money set aside for work of this calibre. However, minor painting, repairs and interventions do have an influence on the buying process. So if your property has any defects or imperfections that need looking after, its important to take care of them before you advertise your home online . Fix, for example, that dripping tap, the floor thats lifting, or paint the most stained walls. Beautify the house as much as you can, not leaving out the outdoor spaces - if you have a garden, mow the lawn, look after the plants, clear the path and prepare the space for visitors. And dont forget: the front of the property will be the first contact a potential buyer has with your home, so its crucial that you make a good impression! If you follow these tips, youll be one step closer to a quick, easy and carefree process! Prepare the property for sale and, with the help of your property consultant, turn it into an unmissable investment. And once youve completed this phase, youll move on to the next: putting the property on the market. Stay tuned for the next few articles to find out exactly what you need to do!
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction The Energy Efficiency in Buildings Directive (EPBD), revised and approved by the European Parliament, sets out a series of progressive measures aimed at transforming the construction sector into a key component of the transition to a low-carbon economy. In this regard, the European Parliament’s decision to support the imposition of ambitious targets for carbon neutrality in buildings reflects a renewed commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions as well as combating climate change. The new legislation requires all new buildings to be carbon neutral from 2030, with a more immediate cutoff date for buildings occupied by public authorities established in 2028. In addition, EPBD sets primary energy reduction targets for residential and non-residential buildings by 2030 and 2035 respectively, encouraging the adoption of renewable technologies and energy efficiency measures. The phasing out of gas and diesel boilers and the ban on subsidies for these technologies from 2025 mark a significant shift in EU energy policy, driving the transition to more sustainable heating and cooling systems. However, the Directive also recognises the importance of preserving the architectural and historical heritage, allowing certain buildings to be excluded from energy efficiency requirements, provided that it is justified on the basis of specific criteria. Although some proposals, such as the mandatory improvement of buildings with low energy rating, have been removed from the final legislation, it is expected that the StatesEU members develop comprehensive national plans to boost energy efficiency and promote the adoption of renewable technologies in their construction sectors. The EU’s commitment to the decarbonisation of real estate reflects not only a concern for environmental sustainability, but also a long-term vision for a more resilient and prosperous economy. Read more topics like this in SUPERCASA News
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction Whether youre buying or selling, the energy certificate is one of the documents youll always have to take into account if youre thinking of selling a property. Its intrinsically linked to the propertys energy performance and is a fundamental document in any transaction. The presentation of this certificate is, in fact, mandatory by law , so today, in this SUPERCASA Notícias article, we explain exactly everything you need to know, how the Energy Certification Systems (SCE) work, when you should present the necessary documents, the types of assessment and their advantages , as well as what can happen if you default. What are the legal obligations for property owners and real estate agents? As stipulated by Decree-Law 118/2013 of 20 August, all owners of a property are obliged to comply with the specific obligations of indicating the energy rating, and they are also responsible for indicating the propertys rating and respective documentation to real estate agents. They are also responsible for providing a copy, or the original, of the Energy Certificate in situations where they enter into - a promissory contract for the purchase and sale of the property; - rental agreement. Failure to fulfil these obligations is subject to monetary fines. On the part of estate agents and consultants, they must include information about the energy class of the property in their sales or rental adverts in order to avoid considerable fines and poor quality adverts. What is the Energy Certification System for Buildings (SCE)? This is an instrument with European Union legislative guidelines, implemented in Portugal, which plays a fundamental role in enhancing energy efficiency and promoting sustainable energy in buildings. It establishes a link between the energy efficiency policies defined by European regulations, market agents and buyers/owners. Thus, included in the SCE is the Energy Certificate, a document that, as its name explains, assesses the energy efficiency of the building, certifying it with a rating that can vary between A+, A, B, B-, C, D, E and F , from the highest to the lowest efficiency rating. How does Energy Certification work? Eligible in buildings or autonomous fractions under the SCE, energy certificates are required by law in all buildings, new or old, whenever they are put up for sale or on the rental market , but also in buildings that are undergoing rehabilitation or interventions, and whose value is greater than 25 per cent. According to ADENE - Agência para a Energia (Energy Agency) and its SCE Guide , any building that is a covered construction with walls and floors intended for human use must be covered by an energy certification, whether it is composed of one or several bodies, as is the case, for example, in schools, hospitals, tourist resorts, among others . In the energy certification document for a property, you will find: - an assessment of the propertys energy efficiency, on a scale from very inefficient (F) to very efficient (A+); - information on the propertys characteristics, such as insulation, types of ventilation, air conditioning and domestic hot water production, and their effect on energy consumption; - improvement measures that suggest ways to lower energy consumption and improve the comfort and health of the residents/inhabitants of the property; - indication of tax benefits and types of financing available, when available. The great advantage of this document is the immediate value it gives to the property , as you will have an analysis of the type of consumption, advantages and disadvantages of the property, indications of improvements and structural characteristics, which will make all the difference when selling or buying the house. But there are others. Advantages of the Energy Certificate As we said above, this is a document that will greatly enhance the value of your home, but its not the only advantage: - Through the certificate, you get to know the property much better , both structurally and in terms of the energy consumption it will have; - you know how you can reduce your energy consumption and expenditure in a permanent and efficient way; - knows exactly what the direct implications are for comfort and health , if any; - indicates personalised improvements according to energy performance, in order to reduce consumption; - you have access to financial and tax benefits, which well explain below. Financial and tax benefits of the Energy Certificate A house with a higher energy rating will be more competitive on the market than one with a lower rating . However, it is also an asset in financial and fiscal terms, allowing you to access better rates when implementing the improvement measures indicated in the document. The tax benefits with the most impact on your wallet will be a refund of the IMT (Municipal Property Transfer Tax) if you rehabilitate your home, for which you can get more information from your local council or town hall, but also a reduction in the municipal IMI (Municipal Property Tax) rate, which you can also find out about from your local council. Another of the great financial advantages of an energy certificate is the exemption from municipal taxes when an urban building undergoing urban regeneration is rehabilitated , as well as the exemption from the issuance fee when re-issuing a new Energy Certificate after the improvements have been implemented. What is assessed in an Energy Certificate, who carries out the assessment and where can you request it? The assessment is carried out and issued by independent Qualified Experts, who will assess the installation of double glazing, insulation reinforcements and the existence of efficient equipment, among other things. To request this assessment, you should ask for quotes from several qualified experts working in your neighbourhood or area of residence. It is important to ask several experts to find the one who will give you the best price and, once you have found the professional assessor, gather the necessary documents and provide access to all areas of the house during the assessment. In the end, ask for the preliminary version of the certificate and check the data on the document to make sure everything is correct before it is issued definitively. How much does an Energy Certificate cost? The amounts will vary depending on whether it is a residential building or a building for commerce and services, and the cost of issuing the certificate will always be associated with two variants: 1. Qualified Expert (QE) fees, which vary according to the complexity of the building, its condition and conservation, so there are no fixed figures for reference. 2. The value of registering the certificate on the SCE Portal, defined by government decree, and for which the following values are associated: Residential buildings - Studio and one-bedroom typologies - €28.00 - T2 and T3 typologies - 40,50€ - T4 and T4 typologies - 55,000€ - Types T6 and above - 65,00€ Commercial and service buildings - With a floor area equal to or less than 250m 2 - €135.00 - With a floor area of more than 250m 2 and less than or equal to 500m 2 - €350.00 - With a floor area of more than 500 m 2 and less than or equal to 5000 m 2 - €750.00 - With a useful floor area of more than 5000 m 2 - €950,000 You should bear in mind that energy certificates have an expiry date, which varies according to the type of certificate in question, but which you should consider in the following terms: - Pre-energy certificates: 10 years; - Energy certificates: 10 years; - GES energy certificates (large commercial and service buildings): 8 years; - First GES energy certificates for new buildings and major renovations: 3 years. There are also validity periods for the following criteria: - Energy certificates for GES that are in operation and do not have a Maintenance Plan: 1 year; - Energy certificates for commercial and service buildings that do not have the technical systems inspection report, when mandatory: 1 year; - Energy certificates for boarded-up buildings: 1 year (extendable on request to ADENE). Are you clear? Read also Turnkey homes: how does this concept work , Tips for remodelling your property without spending a lot of money
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction Taking lunchboxes to work is a common practice among the Portuguese. Thats why, in a statement sent to SUPERCASA Notícias , energy tariff specialist Selectra has done the maths for you: find out how much you spend preparing six different dishes and two desserts. Lets imagine that you start the week by preparing a beautiful salmon with vegetables and take the opportunity to make three portions of strawberry jelly. The electricity consumed for these two dishes is €0.17 on the free market and €0.18 on the regulated market . If the next day you prefer, for example, tofu à brás, it will cost you €0.05 on the free market and on the regulated market, using one of the three portions of gelatine you made. In the middle of the week, you could opt for grilled meat with rice and vegetables and chocolate chip biscuits for dessert. In this case, youll spend 0.21€ for the main course and dessert on the free market and 0.23€ on the regulated market. If you work 6 days a week, youll spend 0.71€ of electricity on the free market and 0.76€ on the regulated market for the six dishes and six portions of the suggested desserts. Did you find this content interesting? Read more topics like this in SUPERCASA Notícias
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction Executives understanding of the economic benefits of sustainability increased significantly between 2022 and 2023, tripling from 21 per cent to 63 per cent. In addition, more than half of executives, 61 per cent, now have defined sustainability priorities, up from 49 per cent in 2022. These figures, released by the Capgemini Research Institute , highlight a noticeable shift in the business mindset towards sustainability. Despite the growing recognition of the importance of sustainability, investments in the area remain low. According to the report, investments in sustainable initiatives remained stable between 2022 and 2023, representing less than 1% of total revenue in the last year. On the other hand, marketing budgets remain significantly higher, equalling 9.1% of annual revenue on average. This discrepancy emphasises the need for a greater allocation of resources to boost sustainable practices. The survey also reveals that many companies fall short when it comes to sustainability reporting and sustainable product design. Although there will be a 15 per cent increase in the elimination of fossil fuels, only 47 per cent of executives say their companies are designing more durable products compared to 57 per cent in 2022. This indicates a gap between recognising the importance of sustainability and actually implementing concrete measures to promote it. Related topics: Greenwashing: know what it is and how to identify it , Electric cars: how does home charging work?
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction Ventilation plays a crucial role in supplying fresh air and removing polluted air from various types of premises, from factories and warehouses to residential buildings. With a variety of types of ventilation systems available, it is essential to understand their characteristics in order to choose the most suitable one for each environment. Types of ventilation Ventilation is a combination of devices and measures designed to ensure the normal exchange of air in each room. There are different types of ventilation systems: - By method of air pressure and movement: natural and artificial - By designation: supply and exhaust - By service area: local and general - By design: ducted and ductless Natural vs. artificial ventilation Natural ventilation is a simple and economical option , depending on external climatic conditions for air exchange. However, i ts effectiveness can be limited by factors such as the type of building material. Artificial ventilation, on the other hand, uses special devices, such as filters and fans, to move and treat the air, offering more control over the internal environment, but at a higher cost and with greater energy consumption. Supply and exhaust Ventilation systems can be categorised as supply, which introduces fresh air, and exhaust, which removes used air. Both have specific components, such as fans and filters, to guarantee indoor air quality. There are two main types: mixing ventilation, where fresh air is mixed with the saturated air in the room before it is removed, and displacement ventilation, where clean air is forced from units in the floor, displacing the worn, warmer air through holes in the ceiling to promote the necessary air exchange. Local and General Ventilation Local ventilation is targeted at specific areas, while general ventilation covers larger spaces. Both play an important role in maintaining air quality in different environments. Ducted and ductless systems Ventilation systems can also be distinguished by their construction method, whether they are ducted or ductless . While ducted systems offer compact, concealed installation, ductless systems rely on fans installed in openings in the wall to move the air. When choosing the right ventilation system, it is essential to consider the advantages and disadvantages of each type, as well as the specific needs of the room in question. Find out more about these topics in SUPERCASA Notícias: Passive Houses: what are they and what are the advantages? , Tips for saving money when using your air conditioning or How to make the most of natural resources in construction
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction With the aim of simplifying bureaucratic procedures, changes to environmental licences were implemented in March 2023, making them more accessible. This process, although of greater relevance to companies, allows them to apply for a single environmental licence for works involving activities with an environmental impact. What are environmental licences and who are they for? Environmental licences aim to guarantee a high level of environmental protection, ranging from the preservation of air, water and soil to the prevention of noise pollution and waste production. Required of any entity, regardless of economic activity, these licences ensure compliance with the environmental rules established by Decree-Law no. 127/2013. The licence is not required for residential construction, unless it poses a risk to specific infrastructures. Doubts should be clarified with the Portuguese Environment Agency. Single Environmental Licence (LUA) This procedure centralises the issuing of the Single Environmental Permit (TUA), which consolidates all decisions relating to the environment, including requirements applicable to establishments, activities or projects . Procedures covered by LUA: - Environmental impact assessment; - Prevention of major accidents involving dangerous substances; - Integrated pollution prevention and control; - European trade in greenhouse gas emission licences; - Waste management; - Incineration and co-incineration of waste; - Installations and activities using organic solvents; - Water resource utilisation permits; - Landfill operations; - Licensing of integrated centres for the recovery, reclamation and disposal of hazardous waste; - Waste management of mineral deposits and mineral masses; - Environmental impact assessment; - Air emissions regime; - Water production for reuse. When it comes to licence applications involving other entities, the Single Environmental Licence is linked to the different economic activity regimes: the Responsible Industry System (SIR), the Regime for the Exercise of Livestock Activities (REAP) and the Regulation on Licences for Electrical Installations (RLIE). How do I apply for a licence? The application is made through the SILiAmb platform, provided by the Portuguese Environment Agency. The first step in applying for a licence is to register on the platform. There are two ways to do this: - Through the Tax Identification Number (NIF) and Corporate Taxpayer Identification Number (NIPC). - Registering with your Citizens Card Fill in the form and, after registering, you must log in to access the platform. In the menu on the left, go to the Single Environmental Licence (LUA) module > Simulations > New Simulation. To complete this step, you must answer the questions on your licence application. The simulator guides the applicant through the questions on the application , placing the activity within the applicable environmental regimes and calculating the Single Environmental Fee (TAU). The application can be integrated or phased, depending on the applicants choice, generating a form with the necessary data. Once submitted, it is possible to follow all the stages of the process until the Single Environmental Permit (TUA) is obtained. Are you clear? Follow more topics like this: What certificates should my property have? SUPERCASA answers , What ESG is and how to apply it to your property or Bioarchitecture: the trend thats here to stay
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction There is a demand from private and institutional investors for a more sustainable real estate market , and sustainability in housing is an increasingly recurring theme in the residential market, especially in terms of construction . With this in mind, the Portuguese Association of Real Estate Developers and Investors (APPII) is calling for the creation of more green financing lines. In order to move forward with these lines, Hugo Santos Ferreira, the associations president, believes that Banco de Fomento should be the one to provide more funds for the construction of sustainable homes: Banco de Fomento must be used to bring more money to the Portuguese, more money for the construction of cheap green homes. We have to have more green subsidized financing lines so that we can build more green and cheaper houses. This is what we have to demand. The president of the real estate developers argues that access to sustainable homes should be a possibility for everyone , especially in the residential and housing segment, both for the middle and lower classes: without financing we wont be able to have homes, especially in the residential and housing segment for the middle and lower classes. In this sense, Hugo Santos Ferreira draws attention to the reduction in the private green bond market, mentioning the importance of the PRR to promote it: the PRR, which stands for Recovery and Resilience Plan, aims precisely to make the economy and companies more resilient. A country cannot be resilient without a dynamic and thriving capital market. In a short space of time, the president of the association believes that sustainability associated with the residential market will become compulsory , given the range of opportunities and changes that will result from the transition, and he stresses: it will be a matter of time, it will bring more availability and funding, namely from Europe to reconvert our assets to build greener, he concludes. See also: APPII proposes tax reform with an impact on construction , Passive Houses: what are they and what are the advantages?
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction The Energy Saving Plan (PPE 2022 - 2023) has caused natural gas consumption in Portugal to fall, with a 22% drop between August 2022 and December 2023 , compared to the historical average of the last five periods, as ADENE - the Energy Agency - announced on Wednesday, February 21. According to the agency, and including the month of January this year, Portugal exceeded the target set in Regulation 2023/706 of March 30, 2023 (15%) by 36.9%. Initially in force until December 2023, the 2022-2023 EPP aimed to save 672 million cubic meters (mcm), and 1,872 mcm were saved during the period in question, which represents a 178.6% overrun. Related: Energy is no longer the main cause of gas emissions
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction Concerns about sustainability and energy saving have created diverse alternatives when it comes to housing, giving rise to trends and methods of construction and utilisation of resources that are now the choice of many buyers and investors. Passive houses are an increasingly sought-after type of property, characterised by their savings and convenience. However, certain requirements must be met before your property can be certified as a passive house. What are passive houses? A passive house is a property that follows a concept in which the house is built efficiently , in terms of energy, heat, acoustics and sustainability, giving rise to the comfort of living in such a place. This includes excellent thermal and acoustic insulation, low energy consumption and a stable temperature throughout the house (the windows are double-glazed and well-insulated, as are the doors; there is good ventilation and heat recovery). In general, this type of house has the ability to adapt to the outside climate, achieving an efficient and positive energy performance for its residents. One of the great advantages is the quality of the indoor air, which influences thermal comfort, keeping it at high levels at all times. Requirements for Passive House certification A passive house will be different from a traditional property in many ways, starting with the way it is built, so certification follows specific criteria that regulate whether or not it is a passive dwelling. To achieve certification, criteria such as energy efficiency and the energy certificate will be taken into account, but also, and obligatorily, the certificate from the Passivhaus Portugal Association, which will analyse the raw materials used in the work, the architectural project and the execution of the construction. What are the advantages? The main advantages are cost savings (greater energy efficiency) and environmental impact, as it reduces CO2 emissions. Living in a property with these characteristics allows you to live with better air quality, greater thermal and acoustic comfort and is, in the long term, an excellent option to adopt, as it will bring you more benefits than a traditional property. Among the greatest added value are the absence of anomalies caused by humidity or heat, the durability of the construction, thermal comfort and the energy-saving factor, which will save you a lot on electricity bills. Discover also: Wooden buildings: a trend for 2024? , 3D printed houses: the future of the property market? or Modular houses: everything you need to know