The number of UK homes for sale with an electric car charging point on the premises, or in a nearby street, has jumped sixfold in a year, according to Rightmove.

The property website said the proportion of homes with, or close to, this green feature lifted by 541% in 12 months on its listings pages, with a third of them added since the start of September.

The report comes as world leaders gather for COP26 climate change talks in Glasgow between 31 October and 12 November.

The study analysed the number of properties for sale that mention an electric car charging point in the property description for prospective buyers.

It excluded new build homes in order to determine rises in older homes that have charging points installed or available nearby.

It said: “The significant rise is likely being driven by a combination of homeowners upgrading their properties with electric charging points before selling, rising numbers of public charging points being installed across Great Britain, and more agents highlighting charging points in listings for potential buyers.”

Rightmove Property Expert Tim Bannister says: “This week, concerns about the environment are rightly front and centre of the headlines, and this study is an interesting example of how growing awareness about the environment and energy efficiency can impact the property market.

“The number of electric vehicle charging points is continuing to rise, and in turn, we’re hearing from agents that potential buyers are increasingly adding access to a charging point to their list when choosing the right home.

“Alongside the energy performance of a home, we anticipate electric car charging points will become more important for buyers over the next few years, and will be an additional selling point for movers listing their home.”

Peter Joy Estate Agents senior consultant Charlie Gladding adds: “Stroud has a reputation for being environmentally aware and it’s something we’re certainly hearing more about from both buyers and sellers.

“Not only are people more enthusiastic about energy efficiency upgrades, but the fact they are acting and having them installed means people are more conscious of ‘futureproofing’ their home.

“With COP26, our carbon footprint, and climate change in general, more people are certainly aware of their actions, and enquiries about whether electric car chargers are installed, or it is possible to install them will be a theme that consistently grows into conversations over the next couple of years”.