Benefits of Energy-Efficient New Build Homes for First Time Buyers
Are you an eco-conscious buyer? Then why not invest in a new build property? New homes are incredibly energy efficient and are fitted with a whole host of smart technologies. This means not only cheaper bills, but energy-efficient properties also open doors for Green mortgage deals. Not forgetting, buyers of new homes are playing a vital role in creating a zero carbon future for the UK, says Natalie Daniels, Sustainability PR Director at Building Relations
Cost Savings with Energy-Efficient New Builds
Living in a more energy-efficient new build home doesn’t necessarily mean spending more. In fact, new build homes often boast far lower running costs than many existing homes. That’s because they need to meet high energy-efficiency standards, and as a result they’re both eco-friendly and cheap to heat and run. New builds often have heat pumps, smart water meters, double (or triple) glazing, wall and roof insulation and photovoltaic (PV) panels. They are also fitted with the latest energy-efficient appliances and heating.
So, if you’re looking to take the first step on to the property ladder, it’s worth knowing the benefits that buying a new build home can bring.
According to the Home Builders Federation, around 84% of new builds are rated A-B for energy efficiency, while just 3% of existing stock reached the same standard in the year to September 2021.¹
Green Money
For first time buyers, investing in a more energy-efficient property could help unlock green financing solutions. Green mortgages can offer attractive interest rates, cashback or free energy-efficiency reports.
Many mainstream mortgage lenders including Barclays, NatWest, and Virgin Money are now offering Green mortgages as part of new funding models for homes that have an Energy Performance Certificate rating of A or B.
Smart Design
The more energy efficient your home, the lower the bills are going to be. That’s because new homes are built to retain heat – they are well insulated and also designed to optimise airflow and ventilation, rather than damp, drafty homes, making them healthy places to live and work.
The hidden details lie in the fabric. As a first time buyer, the “fabric first” approach of a new property means you benefit from airtight cavities within the walls to keep as much of the heat within the building, and this does its job seamlessly without future operation or maintenance.
As well as energy-efficient fabric, fittings such as appliances, including dishwashers, washing machines and fridge-freezers, will also be new, energy-efficient models. Lighting is a consideration too, and new homes will often boast low-energy LED lights throughout. Some also come with electric car charging points as standard.
Expert Opinions on the Benefits of Sustainable New Build Homes
Speaking about the benefits to first time buyers, Ben Holden, Managing Director at Ethical Compass, comments, “There are several benefits for first time buyers, not only will it lower bills and running costs of a home, but it will also provide buyers with a healthier home, with less risk of damp and draught, making it safer, more resilient and longer lasting. Also, those who are climate conscious and aware of buying behaviours will also be doing the right thing in terms of lower carbon emissions and footprint.”
James Pritchett, Communications Manager at Greencore Homes, believes in making sustainable living accessible, especially for first time buyers. He comments, “Investing in a sustainable home means not only contributing to a healthier planet but also benefiting from the economic advantages of lower energy consumption.”
Take the Leap Towards a Greener Future
With great energy efficiencies and even greater environmental credentials, for eco-conscious buyers it’s time to take the leap into new build
and help protect
our planet.
Barking – Abbey Quay
Prices from £332,000 full Market value
Weston Homes pride itself on building budget-conscious and sustainable homes. At Abbey Quay, it combines the best of traditional construction methods with newer technologies to ensure its homes meet the highest level of energy efficiency. At all points in the production process, Weston Homes looks at reducing heat loss, energy use and, in turn, carbon emissions. This means better levels of insulation and homes that are cheaper to maintain and run. So as well as being better for your pocket, it is better for the planet too. On offer are one, two and three bedroom apartments through shared ownership and one and two bedroom apartments at full market value, plus there are a few three bedroom apartments left for Discount Market Sale. The River Roding flows past the west side of the development and Abbey Quay, with its tree-lined avenues, combines modern living with on-site shops, cafes and restaurants. The Resident’s Hub is home to a concierge and it provides a great space to meet for a coffee or plug your laptop in and work, or just meet friends and socialise with neighbours. It is available for both residents and members of the wider community. The homes feature open-plan living areas, designer kitchens complete with integrated appliances and luxurious bathrooms, and all apartments have their own private balcony or terrace. Barking station is a 10-minute walk away, from where you can reach Canary Wharf or the City in less than 20 minutes.
Oxfordshire – Hook Norton – From TBC
Greencore has launched 12 climate-positive homes in Hook Norton, Oxfordshire. Greencore manufactures closed-timber frame panels, which are insulated with natural materials and are built into a timber frame superstructure that locks up more carbon than it emits. Homes are also highly energy efficient and powered by electricity rather than gas, utilising renewable energy sources for every home and supplying 100% of the energy required in use. The homes comprise two one bedroom houses, four two bedroom apartments and two three bedroom houses for affordable rent, plus four two bedroom apartments for shared ownership. The development benefits from a smart grid installed by SNRG with solar PV, a 100KWh battery and EV car chargers. The solar PV on the roofs of the homes, community centre, and the nearby sports club is fed into a smart grid on site. Any excess electricity that is generated is stored in the battery. The scheme will have low carbon travel through an electric car club, with EV charging points provided.
greencorehomes.co.uk/project/hook-norton
Erith – The Quarry – From £235,000
In the heart of Erith is The Quarry, a landmark development comprising 849 homes delivered by L&Q and Anderson on the site of a disused quarry. This new neighbourhood has been designed as a beacon for sustainable urban living by maximising fabric efficiency, adopting low or zero carbon renewable technology and developing green spaces that increase biodiversity.
Each home continues to adopt sustainable design measures to significantly reduce CO2 emissions by 73% over the Government’s Part L 2013 document. These measures include an energy-efficient building fabric including thick insulation to the floors, walls and roofs, double or triple glazing in the windows, low-energy lighting, and efficient heating and ventilation systems.
All homes are provided with heating and hot water via air source heat pumps, a system that significantly cuts reliance on fossil fuel heating by absorbing heat from the air outside and transferring it to heat inside the home. Alongside the pumps, all houses come with photovoltaic panels, which convert light into ready-to-use energy, drastically reducing carbon emissions.
The 50-acre site will establish high-quality living, along with educational and community spaces to build on the ecology of the site. Creating a family-friendly streetscape, walkways across the development will encourage pedestrians and cyclists to travel through it instead of around it, and there will be no through access for cars, promoting a sense of countryside living.
As part of the site’s Grade 1 SINC status (Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation), a dedicated ecology area retaining existing grassland and shrub habitat is allocated to protect and safeguard species such as slow worms, common lizards and other reptiles. The ecology area will eventually be accessible to the public via a raised boardwalk and viewing platform, for residents to enjoy this unique ecosystem while minimising disturbance to the habitat. A series of green corridors and a village green will link the ecology area to the wider development, providing new landscaping along with further tree planting to complement the existing dense woodland belt.
Aylesbury – Canal Quarter, Kingsbrook – From £231,500
The newest launch of one and two bedroom apartments at Canal Quarter at Kingsbrook from Barratt Homes is part of a multi-phase development of 2,450 new homes, three new schools and community infrastructure. Partnering with the RSPB, sustainability is at the heart of this development, with a 250-acre area of wildlife-rich space, the installation of a number of bat and bird boxes and the creation of more than 100 allotments.
The partnership has seen a number of conservation concerned species increase in numbers such as house sparrows, starlings and whitethroats. Homes are just a short walk from the travel hub, with regular bus services to Aylesbury station from where it takes just under an hour to reach London.
DRIGHLINGTON, LEEDS – Spring Meadows – FROM £340,000
Spring Meadows by PureHaus offers 20 state-of-the-art low carbon and low energy homes offering advanced renewable energy systems, climate control, smart home technology and cutting-edge ventilation systems that provide fresh air while filtering out pollutants and allergens.
BARROWFORD, LANCASHIRE – Keld – From £139,000*
*Based on a 50% share with a full market value of £278,000
A contemporary collection of 239 family homes in the picturesque village of Barrowford, Lancashire, Keld is being delivered by Northstone, with shared ownership homes exclusively available through Home Reach.
Often reported as one of the key priorities for families searching for their dream home, sustainability is especially valued at Keld. Every home is eco-friendly, with the intention of helping families to keep their energy bills down and lower their carbon footprint.
The triple-glazed, full length insulating windows maximise thermal efficiency while minimising outside noise. An intelligent heating system, Wondrwall, has been installed, using smart technology to reduce environmental impact. Over time, the integrated home assistant learns how homeowners live, and specially adapts lighting and heating needs to help residents save on energy bills. This includes features such as the facility to automatically turn off lights when homeowners leave, a smart burglar alarm that listens for intruders, as well as a Sonos music system and voice-controlled home automation. Hyperfast broadband and SKY are already installed, and an iParcelbox is fitted to every home. This system is an external post box that is controlled via smartphone, ensuring that busy households never miss a delivery again.
YAPTON, WEST SUSSEX – Wildbridge – From £141,750
Minimum deposit: £14,175 | 35% share price of £405,000
*Eligibility criteria applies
The second phase of contemporary, EPC A-rated homes from award-winning developer Hyde New Homes meets the growing demand for affordable, energy-efficient homes in the county – the launch of the second phase at Wildbridge marks an exciting chapter for the region. Comprising 67 two, three, and four-bedroom houses, The Aldwick Collection also delivers on the UK Government’s bid to ensure as many homes as possible have an energy efficiency rating of C or higher by 2035.
Through shared ownership, a two-bedroom house in The Aldwick Collection starts from £108,500 for a 35% share of the home, and will require a minimum deposit of just £10,085. What’s more, homes at Wildbridge combine affordability and energy efficiency. With its ease of access to a multitude of amenities and transport links, as well as its wide selection of homes, Wildbridge is providing a lifeline for growing families and young professionals looking to take a step on to the property ladder.
Each house has its own charm, with high-specification fixtures and fittings, modern kitchens with integrated appliances, bespoke flooring throughout as standard, and light-filled rooms, perfect for family life and entertaining. The properties also offer buyers their own piece of private green space, laid to lawn with sheds and environmentally friendly water butts, as well as a parking area or driveway. The homes have been built with the environment at the forefront, guaranteeing their EPC rating of A, with superior insulation provided by double-glazed windows, extract ventilation, LED downlights, Vaillant Ecotfit combi boilers or System boilers, and the addition of solar panels, providing eco-friendly and renewable energy. All homes come with an LABC Buildmark warranty, and selected properties will also benefit from electric car charging points.
In keeping with Yapton’s traditional village feel, homes at Wildbridge have community at their heart, set amid a bevy of green spaces, including a new play area and park for all residents to enjoy. Yapton’s offering of local shops, cafes, and pubs are within walking distance, as well as an abundance of destinations to explore throughout the changing seasons, such as the Arundel Wetland Centre and the iconic East Beach at Littlehampton.
hydenewhomes.co.uk/wildbridge
Building Relations
Building Relations is a PR & communications company that has offices in London, Egham (Surrey) and Edinburgh specialising in property, construction and the built environment. Clients include large and small developers, housebuilders, housing associations & providers, estate, land and buying agents, construction firms and many other types of property-related companies.
