How much more Energy Efficient are new properties?

Better energy efficiency with greater sustainability and also money savings…

  • 93% of Ascent Homes = B energy rating. vs 81% of existing properties = C or D energy rating

  • A new home is 46% cheaper to heat than its older equivalents

  • New build homes are constructed using new technologies and materials, and are built to ever evolving regulations

  • The average spend on home improvements in a second hand property is almost £13,500 - a cost that isn’t required when buying a new house

  • Save on average around £2,600 a year in energy bills compared to owners of existing properties

  • A new-build house generates 53% lower carbon emissions than existing homes

  • An average new build property emits 2.38 tonnes less of carbon emissions vs existing properties

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It's common knowledge that new builds are more energy efficient, boast lower running costs and have smaller carbon footprints than older properties but why and by how much? We take a look.

Why are new properties more energy efficient than old ones?

While fewer than one in ten older homes boast an energy efficiency rating of A or B, eight out of ten new-builds do. This is because they:

Are built to higher standards than older properties, using modern building techniques

Are constructed using more energy efficient materials and designs, such as strategically placed windows to improve air circulation

Have superior central heating systems, including those which enable only specific areas of a property to be heated, reducing energy waste

Are better insulated, with loft insulation and double glazing keeping homes warmer for longer and reducing the need to use energy

Are designed to use water more efficiently, reducing consumption and energy bills without compromising on pressure or temperature

Are fitted with efficient lighting systems that use low-energy lightbulbs and reduce energy bills

Feature modern, energy efficient appliances

 
 

How much more energy efficient are new builds?

While there are numerous factors to consider, technological advancements and building innovations mean new builds are approximately twice as energy efficient as older homes.

In terms of a carbon footprint, new homes produce far fewer carbon emissions than older homes too - as much as 1.4 tonnes vs 3.8 tonnes per year, according to some estimates.

What does this mean for homeowners?

The short answer is significantly reduced running costs.

New-build owners can expect their energy costs to be approximately 50% cheaper than owners of similar sized older properties, with the Home Builders Federation (HBF) reporting that new-build owners save an average of £2,600 per year on their energy bills.

However, that figure could be much higher depending on the size and age of the properties in question. For example, a detached four-bedroom property built with 2010 regulations vs a Victorian equivalent with modern improvements could save more than £2,500 per year.

Not only are new build homes cheaper to run, by being more energy efficient and typically featuring smart appliances, they also produce fewer carbon emissions, making them better for the environment.

For house hunters whose priorities are low running costs, energy efficiency and a minimal carbon footprint, new build homes tick every box.