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80% Of Homebuyers Prefer To Purchase From Tree-Preserving Builders, New Study Shows

More than 80% of UK homebuyers would prefer to purchase from housebuilders who prioritise tree and greenery preservation, our survey has found.

The findings highlight a growing public demand for sustainable development practices and underscore the importance of innovative solutions in safeguarding natural landscapes during construction.

As part of the new The Root Cause campaign, a tree root protection initiative aimed at highlighting the importance of environmental protection for homebuyers, the survey gathered responses from more than 2,000 potential homebuyers. Among the key insights: 94% of respondents believe having trees and greenery near their homes is important.

It found that 62% of buyers also indicated a willingness to pay more for properties that preserve trees and greenery, with a significant proportion citing increases of up to £10,000 or more.

Regional differences interestingly emerged, with a focus on greenery in areas where new housing targets are driving rapid development. The survey aligns with the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) goals, highlighting the importance of incorporating natural elements in urban planning.

David Fisher, head of geosynthetic sales, said: "These findings reinforce the value of environmentally conscious construction practices. As housing demands grow, it’s vital that we balance development with sustainability, ensuring our natural environment is preserved for future generations."

 

Mockup of The Root Cause survey results
View the survey results
Housing development with trees and The Root Cause campaign graphic

The Root Cause

Acknowledging that more than 1,000 irreplaceable ancient woods have been threatened by development over the last 10 years, according to the Woodland Trust, The Root Cause campaign seeks to highlight the many ways that trees play a vital role in our lives while accepting that UK needs more housing and infrastructure. Examining the often-overlooked role of tree root protection in delivering homes that people want to buy and communities where they want to stay, Geoworks is casting a focus on the environmental, social and wellbeing benefits that trees provide.

The survey also highlighted notable regional variations in attitudes toward greenery and housing plans. Respondents in areas with high-density housing targets, such as the South East and Greater London, expressed the strongest preferences for preserving trees in their communities.

More about The Root Cause

Notably, 81% of respondents in the South East felt that current housing projects lack sufficient green space and trees. These findings suggest that housebuilders can enhance their appeal by prioritising the integration of green spaces into their projects, particularly in regions experiencing intense urbanisation pressures.

ProtectaWeb™ offers a groundbreaking way to meet these housing and sustainability demands, providing robust tree root protection systems that allow for construction without compromising natural ecosystems. This innovative product has already been adopted in several major housing projects, setting a new standard for environmentally friendly developments.

David Fisher said the ProtectaWeb™ system reflects the firm’s focus on practical solutions that support both industry requirements and environmental considerations. He added: "By enabling developers to achieve sustainability goals while maintaining project quality, we’re contributing to a more environmentally conscious approach to housing in the UK."

ProtectaWeb Tree root protection
Newly planted treeline alongside a canal and new build housing development
Working in partnership with

Canal & River Trust

To further demonstrate its commitment to sustainability, Geoworks has pledged to donate £5,000 to Canal & River Trust’s Great Canal Orchard. Helping to further support and establish the linear tree line across the West Midlands’ canal system. This initiative complements Geoworks’ efforts to protect existing trees in the UK using ProtectaWeb™ while simultaneously contributing to the continued preservation of trees elsewhere.

As housebuilding targets continue to evolve, Geoworks remains at the forefront of innovation, ensuring that the industry prioritises environmental stewardship without compromising on quality or efficiency. The company’s ongoing campaigns and product developments aim to inspire a shift toward more sustainable practices across the sector.

Supporting the Canal & River Trust
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