The value of healthy homes: Rob Harris speaks to Property Week

Rob Harris, director in our building services and sustainability team, has sat down with Property Week, for an article exploring 

He explains that healthy homes are no longer a niche ambition but an expected standard in modern property development, as developers increasingly understand the strong connection between the health and wellbeing of the people and communities that live there, and long-term asset value.

Rob notes that, while the degree of focus can vary depending on a project’s size and typology, purchasers and renters are placing growing importance on factors such as high-quality design, low energy use and good indoor air quality. 

These features reduce environmental impact while delivering year-round affordability and comfort.

He goes on to challenge the idea that healthy homes are expensive, pointing out that systems like air-source heat pumps and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery are already commonplace in many areas, including Greater London. 

He adds that thoughtful design decisions - such as optimal orientation, effective shading and appropriate material selection - can deliver performance close to Passivhaus standards without major additional costs. Properties achieving EPC ratings of A or A+ can have minimal running costs and may achieve sale values 10–15% higher as commercial assets.