Research shows new-build homes can reduce energy bills by 60%

New-build homes can see homebuyers cut their energy bills by as much as 60%, according to the latest research from Warwick Estates.

Warwick Estates looked at the energy costs associated with running both new-build and existing homes on an annual basis.

They found that energy bills from existing properties in England cost an estimated £797 per year, whereas for new-builds annual energy bills cost only £390.

New-builds can save homebuyers the most in the North West, where the annual energy bill for a new-build home comes in at 52.4% less than an existing property.

In Wales, heating an existing home is even more expensive at an average of £852 per year, saving an average of £440 switching to a new-build.

London locations are among the places with the biggest difference between energy costs for existing and new-build homes, with new-builds 60.1% cheaper in the Boroughs of Harrow and Redbridge.

COO of Warwick Estates, Bethan Griffiths, commented: ‘The energy efficiency difference between new-build homes and older, existing properties is stark. Improved insulation technologies, better windows, smart meters, and more, all contribute to a notable saving every year.

‘Not only does this increased efficiency save the homeowner and occupier large sums of cash, but it also significantly reduces the home’s carbon footprint. So there is a far wider benefit than our bank accounts alone.’

After Harrow and Redbridge, the top ten places with the biggest difference in energy costs includes:

• Malvern Hills (59.9%)
• West Devon (59%)
• Ryedale, North Yorkshire (58.9%)
• Solihull, West Midlands (58.8%)
• The Derbyshire Dales (58.3%)
• The Forest of Dean (57.8%)
• The Wirral (57.8%)
• Gwynedd, Wales (57.5%)

In related news, a new report launched by Solar Energy UK found that installing solar systems can increase house values by nearly £2,000, while saving nearly a third on the average annual energy bill.

Photo by Julian Hochgesang