Investing in a new build could combat the cost-of-living crisis

Weston Homes has reported that investing in a new build house or apartment could help buyers combat the cost-of-living crisis.  

The UK property developer says this is because new build homes are more likely to have energy efficiency measures in place, lowering household bills.  

According to government Energy Performing Certificate (EPC) research, 82% of new build homes have an A or B rating for energy efficiency compared to 2.2% of existing properties.  

A and B ratings are known for using less energy and help to reduce CO2 emissions.  

The government EPC also found that new homes use an average of 103kwh/m2 per year as opposed to 294kwh/m2 per year in older builds. 

Weston Homes’ own developments are built with energy efficiency in mind, with a site in Harlow, Essex, called Edinburgh Way, built with British Offsite UNI Panels.  

This is a panelised wall system which provides excellent insulation levels that are wrapped tightly around the homes. 

The less heat that escapes from the new builds, the less energy is used from the heating which reduces both CO2 emissions and costs. 

Weston Homes have also placed extremely efficient boiler systems in buildings, which incorporates Flue Gas Heat Recovery and avoids standing heat loss.    

At their developments, which are set to be built under the new June 2022 Building regulations, Weston Homes has also included air source heat pumps for hot water heating.  

The air pumps allow for people to manually heat their water, rather than relying on a single hot tap.  

From 2025, all new homes will be required to release 75-80% lower carbon emissions than homes built to current standards, so energy measures like this are set to become more common across the board.  

Photo by Phil