With UK energy prices hitting a record high, now is the time to start looking at other ways to reduce your household bills.
Despite the Government announcing packages to help homes and businesses, reports suggest prices could remain high until 2024.
So, what can you do to keep your bills down?
If you’re thinking about moving, a new-build property offers the opportunity to keep your costs down in the long term.
There are many benefits of buying a new build, including being able to customise and personalise your decor, as well as not having a chain to worry about during the buying stage. Another obvious advantage is energy efficiency.
James Clarke, Land & New Homes Director at Lang Town & Country explains: “A combination of the use of modern building techniques and sustainable building materials, along with stringent building regulations, mean that new-build homes are often much more energy efficient than older properties. This means they are ultimately more economical to run and kinder to our planet.
“They should all benefit from high levels of internal wall and roof insulation, high-quality windows and doors with argon filled double glazing. This all works to keep extreme temperatures out and the internal temperature comfortable.
Here are our main reasons for buying a new-build property.
1. Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) and Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs)
Every new home must undergo a Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP). which is used to assess the energy efficiency of a newly constructed residential building to confirm that it complies with Part L1 of the building regulations.
Regulations require that a SAP calculation and a Predicted Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is submitted for new dwellings prior to the commencement of work.
The banding system ranges from A (very efficient) to G (inefficient).
Furthermore, according to government statistics compiled in 2021, as many as 85% of new homes in England and Wales meet the highest energy-efficient bands of EPC rating A or B.
This is a huge selling point for new homes and a ‘silver lining’ for new-home buyers during the current energy crisis.
Doryenna Beavan, sales and marketing coordinator for our Land & New Homes team, says: “We have noticed a significant increase in potential buyers asking directly about EPC or SAP ratings.
“Previously, energy performance was in the back of buyers’ minds when searching for their dream home.
“Now it seems to be very much in the forefront, as we all seek to keep living costs to a minimum and reduce our impact on the environment.
“I don’t think it’s a coincidence that we are seeing an increase in demand for new, good quality homes.”
2. Energy-efficient heating
Newly-built properties are constructed to keep them heated in an eco-friendly – and wallet-friendly – way.
The installation of efficient heating systems reduce overall energy usage and, consequently, running costs.
A mixture of air source heat pumps and gas combination boilers draw on renewable energy sources.
New homes are also typically warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, which again boosts energy efficiency.
3. Thermal windows
Thermal windows typically found in new-build properties ensure that they remain well heated and well lit.
Research suggests that thermal windows are two to three times more effective than older single glass windows.
Most new builds also have tightly fitted front and back doors to prevent draughts. Less draughty doors and double or triple glazed windows means a better insulated house.
4. Energy-efficient lighting
The energy efficient lighting put into many new builds goes hand-in-hand with the thermal windows and heating systems.
Fitted with compact fluorescent lamps (CFL) and LED lights, these use around 75% less energy than a typical light bulb.
5. Energy-efficient appliances
Sometimes, new properties come fitted with A* or A rated appliances such as energy-efficient fridges and dishwashers.
Best of all, these are often included in the price of the house, saving you money in the long run!
6. Water efficiency
New homes are built to reduce the amount of water used. They often have flow control and reduced water volumes, which of course will save on water bills and make your house more environmentally friendly.
7. Option to add solar panels
Another great thing about investing in a new build is the potential to add solar panels.
Even on cloudy days, solar panels can help to bring in a renewable energy source to the home. Plus, they’re relatively low-cost to maintain.
8. Lower household bills
All the benefits of buying a new build lead to one major benefit in today’s economic climate: lower household bills.
It’s clear from the evidence above that new builds are more energy efficient, but did you know that in total they can save £138 million a year! Broken down, that’s £629 a year per resident, or £52 a week.
Think of that as your monthly phone bill or three-and-a-half weeks of the average UK mortgage!
9. More environmentally friendly
Buildings are a big culprit of CO2 emissions, with 35% of global energy usage from households.
It’s not just the economy that’s in crisis, but the environment, too.
So, new houses built with energy-saving systems are a brilliant way to save yourself money and help you do your bit for the environment as well.
It’s also harder to convert older properties into an environmentally friendly property, so by opting for a new build you’ll be saving money in the long run.
10. Option of green mortgages
By having such an energy efficient property, you’ll be more likely to qualify for a Green Mortgage.
Green Mortgages reward those with energy efficient houses by offering incentives such as lower interest rates or cashback.
If you’re thinking about moving and are considering a new-build property, get in touch with our Lang Town & Country Land & New Homes team on 01752 278499 or via email at newhomes@langtownandcountry.com
We have a great variety of new homes available to reserve off plan right now. Click here to find out more.
