Almost three-quarters (71%) of people in the UK would now like to live in a new build home – an increase from 58% compared to two years ago. Energy efficiency and lower energy bills were cited as the top benefit of living in a new property by those surveyed in research by Anwyl Homes.
The research also revealed that one in three homeowners who live in a property older than 10 years are considering moving to a more energy-efficient new build home. Nearly half of those living in older homes have already spent money and time making the houses more energy efficient, with 43% saying they have plans to make future improvements.
According to the research, which questioned over 2,000 people, checking the energy efficiency of a property is amongst the top factors people would consider when house hunting.
The findings coincide with additional research from the Home Builders Federation, which revealed buyers of new build houses will save an average of £2,600 in energy bills and reduce carbon emissions by more than two tonnes per property each year.
Phoebe Davies, head of marketing at Anwyl Homes, said: “The findings of our research show that energy efficiency is a key priority for homeowners who are looking to save money and enhance their eco credentials. Given the energy efficiency ratings of new homes when compared with second-hand properties, it isn’t surprising that we’re seeing a rise in demand, especially when you factor in all the other benefits of buying new.”
“Not only is your house new, but all its contents are too, including energy-efficient boilers, new kitchen and bathrooms, fixtures and fittings and a 10-year NHBC warranty. This all adds up to create huge savings for new build buyers and makes the appeal of a new property hard to compete with.”
All properties built by Anwyl Homes are designed to meet a minimum EPC rating of B, which not only reduces energy bills, but also opens up additional lending opportunities with green mortgages, which often have favourable rates, and cash back incentives. A bill is currently going through parliament that, if passed, would legally require all owner-occupied homes to achieve an EPC rating of C as a minimum by 2035.
As well as floor, loft and cavity wall insulation, other measures that add to the eco credentials of newbuild homes from Anwyl include hi-therm lintels above windows and doors to prevent cold bridging, uPVC double-glazed windows, insulated external doors, low-energy lighting and A-rated appliances such as hydrogen-ready gas boilers.
