As summer approaches, we can anticipate lower energy bills. However, seasonal changes don’t address the real issues of rising energy costs, highlighted by the recent increase in the energy price cap. Whilst warmer weather can reduce our bills in the coming months, the energy efficiency of our homes remain important. So, as new homes enthusiasts, we’ve delved into the details of how new build homes can reduce your bills year round.
Efficient Insulation
The key difference between new homes and the existing building stock is insulation. Since the 1970s new homes were commonly designed with insulation ready cavity walls, but it wasn’t until 1995 that cavity wall insulation became mandatory. Even older homes built with insulation, might not be using the most efficient technologies, for example spray on polyurethane foam has only been commonly used in the last 30 years. New homes feature the latest insulation, are airtight, and have optimal ventilation to reduce condensation and heat loss.
Windows are also crucial for their insulative properties. Double glazing, which has been mandatory since 2002, uses two panes of glass with a low-conductivity gas between the panes to minimise heat loss. Although retrofitting double glazing have been standard practice since the 1980s and 1990s, 23% of current housing stock has windows installed pre-2002 which is 50% less efficient than new windows. Glazing technologies continue to evolve, utilising different materials and long term triple glazing may become standard.
Effective insulation is a major factor in the EPC ratings of homes, with 86% of new build homes having an EPC of A or B. This high EPC is a good sign that a home has energy efficiency features, resulting in the production of 65% less carbon in the average new build.
Energy Usage
An increasing number of new build homes are now being built with sustainable energy generators. For example, in the last quarter of 2024 it’s estimated that 42% of new build homes were fitted with solar panels, whilst in January 2025 21% of the UK’s new homes had a heat pump fitted. New build homes are also likely to have a smart meter fitted as standard, which can help buyers track their energy usage, and potentially cut their bills.
Water Use
New build homes are also more water-efficient than existing housing stock, on average new build residents use 40 litres less water per person. This is largely due to the fixtures that are fitted in new build homes as standard, such as low flow showers and taps that reduce consumption without affecting water pressure, and dual flush toilets ensure less water is needed per flush. Improved water efficiency can cut bills by up to 27% and reduce wastewater production.
Totting Up
The energy efficiency of new homes can really add up, resulting in more than £979 of savings on energy bills. In fact, the recent rise in the energy price cap has seen an average increase in bill of £35 for EPC A households, as opposed to £171 for EPC D households. The difference between new build homes and existing properties is stark, and is set to become more pronounced. A new Future Homes Standard is expected to be introduced this year, aimed at reducing domestic emissions by 75-80%.
Rising energy costs are a concern for many, and moving to a new build home might be the easiest solution. New homes feature energy efficiency technologies honed over decades, helping you to reduce your bills whilst doing your bit for planet earth. If you’re on the search for a home that fits your needs all year round, take a look at the new build homes we have to offer.
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Sources
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New Homes Week – Energy Efficient Homes
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Rightmove – What does the price cap increase mean for energy bills
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HBF – Energy Efficient Homes
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Green Match – When Was Cavity Wall Insulation Introduced in the UK?
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The Renewable Energy Hub – History of Insulation
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Ecopreneurist – The History of Double Glazing in the UK
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Elemental London – Report calls for new windows to reduce heat loss
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BBC News – Could triple glazing become a UK standard?
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The Times – Sun surge: two in five new homes in England now have solar panels
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The Independent – Heat pumps: Record number of low-carbon devices put in UK homes
