Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleVicky ShawFriday 14 August 2026 01:04 BSTHeatwave warning: Britain’s pothole problem could get even worseRightmove recorded a 104 per cent increase in home buyers searching for properties with air conditioning between May and July compared to last year.The surge in searches coincided with the UK recording its hottest day of the year so far, as temperatures reached 38.1C in Kew Gardens.Property experts noted that buyers are increasingly prioritising summer comfort, ventilation and energy efficiency alongside traditional factors such as price and location.Citizens Advice warned that millions live in poorly designed heat traps, with one in six Britons taking drastic action to cope with recent heatwaves.Despite changing buyer preferences, overall activity in the UK housing market remained subdued in July, although the pace of declining demand has slowed.In fullWhy the hot weather is causing a shift in what UK house buyers are looking forMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in