Opinion and guidance

New research shows new builds could save homeowners more than £2k in annual energy bills

Updated research published by the Home Builders Federation (HBF) reveals that new build home owners could save an average of up to£2,200 in annual energy costs thanks to the increasing energy efficiency of new build homes.

Data published by the Home Builders Federation (HBF) shows that new build homes are, on average, 55% more energy efficient than older properties and could save home owners up to £2,200 a year in running costs. 

HBF analysed Government Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) data which shows buyers of new build homes – flats and houses – could save an average of £1,640 a year in energy bills. This figure increases to £2,206 when comparing brand new houses with older counterparts.

The updated ‘Watt a Save’ figures published in January 2024, show that 85% of new build homes have an A or B (EPC) rating; whilst less than 5% of existing dwellings reached the same energy efficiency standard. 

While the financial benefits are reason enough to buy a new home, the appeal becomes stronger still when the environmental aspects are also taken into account. Due to the decreased energy usage, new build homes emit 61% less carbon than older counterparts, cutting annual emissions by 2.16 tonnes per property.

This means, the average new build house emits 65% less carbon than an older property. As a result, buyers of new build homes in 2023 reduced carbon emissions by 500,000 tonnes.