Energy Performance : New -v- Old Property

It could cost £70,000 to upgrade the average three bedroom semi-detached home to match the energy efficiency level of new builds 

85% of new-build homes were awarded an A or B Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating last year, compared to only 4% of older homes 

New-build homeowners can expect to save more than £3,100 per year in England after the Energy Price Guarantee rise in April 2023 

New-builds use significantly less energy than older homes and are larger with an average floor space of 90.7 square metres compared to 84.4 square metres for existing dwellings  

Mortgage lenders don’t currently factor in the energy performance when considering affordability calculations but this could change going forward. 

The Home Builders Federation is committed to helping make new builds more energy efficient, and there are a variety of options for buyers. Home developers offer incentives such as covering your deposit, contributing towards energy bills and providing access to low-deposit mortgage schemes.

The Welsh government also recently announced an extension of the Help to Buy scheme for purchasers of new homes with a minimum EPC rating of B.

With affordability and convenience being top priorities, buying a new-build home is becoming an increasingly attractive option for many homebuyers.