Are new-build homes more energy-efficient?

Key Takeaways

Do new-build homes and energy-efficiency go hand in hand?

If you want to live in an energy-efficient way, a new-build home can really help. The Government’s own statistics confirm that 85% of brand-new homes in England and Wales achieve an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of A or B – the highest energy-efficient bands. You can find out more here.

Elsewhere, a report by the Office for National Statistics highlights that property age is the single biggest factor when it comes to energy-efficiency. It says that while almost all homes built since 2012 have a high energy-efficiency rating, only 12% of English homes built before 1900 can match that performance.

So what does this mean in real world terms? The fact is that a brand-new home has the potential to dramatically reduce your energy bills. A Barratt home could be up to 58% cheaper to run.¹

Why are new-build homes more energy-efficient?

The Government is setting down increasingly rigorous housebuilding standards to help conserve the planet’s resources, reduce our impact on the environment and lower energy bills. You can learn more about the targets here.

The ultimate aim of this drive is to create new homes that:

• Produce 75-80% lower carbon emissions compared to current levels
• Contribute to achieving the goal of net-zero emissions by 2050
• Help to deliver greener environments
• Cut the cost of people’s energy bills

As a result, when a brand-new home is being designed and built, energy efficiency is at the very heart of the process from start to finish. That means particular attention is paid to:

• The choice of building materials
• Thermally efficient insulation
• High-quality windows and doors
• Innovative wall design
• Advanced heating systems
• Smart technology
• Clever water-saving appliances and features

Find out what makes a brand-new Barratt home energy-efficient

What are the advantages of an energy-efficient home?

One look at your energy bills will highlight a major benefit of owning a new-build home. As mentioned earlier, a Barratt home could be up to 58% cheaper so you could save up to £2,6000 on your bills each and every year.¹

And there are other significant plus points to bear in mind:

• New-build homes tend to appreciate in value slightly faster than older homes²
• According to a Halifax survey, A-rated properties are worth £40,000 more than G-rated homes³
• You’re less likely to have to undertake costly upgrading work to meet any new building regulations
• You may find that you can get cheaper home insurance

As a result of their design, and the materials and technologies used, new-build homes are also likely to have a lower environmental impact than older places. For instance, Barratt homes use the latest
water-efficient kitchen and bathroom fittings which could reduce consumption by up to 26% per day per person.⁴

How do I find an energy-efficient home?

If you’re attracted by the idea of owning a brand-new energy-efficient home, look no further than Barratt.

When the temperatures fall, our combination of highly thermally-efficient insulation and argon-filled double-glazing will keep you warm.

Of course, energy-efficiency is just one of many factors to consider when buying a new home. Whatever you’re looking for, we’re here to help you find one that ticks all the right boxes. Why not start your search today?

Find your brand-new energy-efficient home