In the face of fluctuating energy costs and inflation, not to mention the end of winter fuel payments, it is no wonder people are turning to new build homes as a solution for reducing their household bills. In fact, housebuilders such as Denbury Homes, a regional developer in East Anglia, report that energy prices and heating efficiency are one of the main priorities for buyers embarking on their search for a new home.
A new build home continues to be a popular choice for buyers. With over 210,000 dwellings completed in the UK for the year ending March 2023, competition among builders to offer higher standards and more affordable living options is fierce.
Sara Raven, Sales & Marketing Director at Denbury Homes said: “Buyers are attracted to the wide range of advantages new builds offer, from low maintenance costs and the ability to personalise living space, to the sense of community that comes with a new development often featuring green spaces and shared amenities.”
The most recent figures released in August 2024 by the Home Builders Federation (HBF,) highlight that the average new build property’s energy bill is up to 64% cheaper, and it uses 57% less energy than an older comparable property; cutting costs by up to £183 per month. The average new build home is also reported to emit just 1.29 tonnes of carbon a year, 61% less than an average older property emitting 3.52 tonnes per annum.
So why are new build houses so much more energy efficient? Sara explains: “We are always searching for innovative ways to deliver a new home that is cheaper to run and has a lower environmental impact during the build process. Our new homes are fitted with air source heat pumps where possible – well ahead of the government’s 2025 ban on the installation of new gas boilers.
“New build homes are increasingly more energy efficient with 85% achieving an A or B EPC rating compared to less than 5% of older properties. At Denbury Homes, we specify high levels of insulation to the ground floor, external walls and roof spaces to reduce heat loss. We carefully select our building materials including external walls, floors, internal walls and roofs to deliver a high quality finish and an energy efficient new home.
“We also implement several features to aid the reduction of water wastage. Our sanitaryware and kitchen appliances are chosen so that daily water consumption per person falls well below the standard required by building regulations. And time and temperature-controlled thermostats are fitted to each home as are energy efficient light bulbs. The introduction of electric vehicle chargers provides homeowners with the convenience and comfort of charging their electric vehicles at home. According to the National Association of Property Buyers, they can also increase a property’s value.”
Given the substantial energy cost savings and environmental benefits offered by new build homes, they represent a compelling solution for those seeking to reduce their household expenses and contribute to a more sustainable future.
To find out more about Denbury Homes and their current developments in Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire and Essex visit www.denburyhomes.co.uk
