The energy efficiency of new build homes
The home building industry is adapting at pace to support the country’s net zero targets and deliver increasing energy and thermal efficient homes.
In 2022, The Home Builders Federation released its first 'Watt a Save'
report comparing the energy performance of new build homes with older properties.
HBF continues to examine the potential cost savings and energy efficiency of new build homes in line with quarterly government EPC data and changes to national energy costs.
The latest energy efficiency figures
{'content': 'Last updated: November 2024
Calculations are based on the Ofgem price cap from October 2024, using data from EPC registrations of new and existing properties in the year to 30 September 2024.
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New build homes emit 65% less carbon a year
The average new build home emits 1.22 tonnes of carbon per year, just 35% of that of the average older property, which emits an average of 3.51 tonnes per year.
86% of new builds have an A or B EPC rating
New build homes are increasingly more energy efficient. Less than 5% of existing older properties achieve an A or B Energy Performance Certificate rating (EPC).
Making energy bills up to 65% cheaper
The average new build energy bill could be more than £130 a month cheaper, based on all property types. The savings rise to £165 a month when comparing houses specifically - totalling over £1,980 a year.
Energy usage per property type
Average reduction in energy usage
When comparing all property types, new build properties use an average of 60% less energy than older counterparts, cutting the average energy bill by more than £130 a month. The average new build house uses 65% less energy than older houses.
Calculations are based on Government's EPC registrations data of new and existing properties in the year to September 2024 and Ofgem's October 2024 energy price cap.
Average energy use per m2
Critics of new build homes often suggest new properties are more energy efficient as they are smaller. EPC data evidences that this isn't the case: new builds are not only bigger on average, but also use less energy per m2.
According Live tables on Energy Performance of Buildings Certificates for September 2024, the average new build home = 88.5 m2 compared with the average existing = 86m2
Average carbon savings
On average, new build properties emit 65% less carbon than older counterparts, cutting annual emissions by 2.29 tonnes per property.
The average new build house emits 67% less carbon than older houses. Buyers of new build properties in 2023 reduced carbon emissions by 500,000 tonnes.
Energy bill savings by property type
Average energy bill savings
On average, new build homeowners could save more than £130 a month on their energy bills, amounting to £1,574 a year, compared with purchasers of older properties. This saving rises to £165 per month when comparing the energy performance of houses specifically, rather than flats or bungalows, totalling over £1,980 a year.
Prices are based on Ofgem’s price cap for October 2024, using Government's EPC registrations data of new and existing properties in the year to 30 September 2024.
EPC ratings data
EPCs of new build and existing homes in the year to September 2024
86% of new build homes achieved the highest levels of energy performance (A or B EPC) compared with less than 5% of older homes.
Calculations are based on Government's EPC registrations data of new and existing properties in the year to 30 September 2024.
Watt a Save reports
HBF issued Watt a Save reports from October 2022 to July 2023.
HBF's July 2023 Watt a Save report found new build homebuyers were saving over £400 million a year in energy bills, as well as collectively reducing carbon emissions by over 500,000 tonnes.
It showed the average new build homebuyer could save £135 a month on energy bills, amounting to more than £1,600 a year, compared with purchasers of equivalent older properties. This saving rose to over £180 per month for purchasers of houses, rather than flats or bungalows, totalling £2,200 a year.
Our February 2023 Watt a Save Report found new build properties are significantly more environmentally friendly than older equivalent properties, emitting just 1.4 tonnes of carbon a year, compared to the 3.6 tonnes that existing properties emit.
Download the reportOur first Watt a Save report found new build home buyers were saving an average of more than £2,000 on household bills per property each year, equivalent to £173 a month. For buyers of houses, as opposed to flats the savings were even greater at £220 per month.
Download the reportMember resources
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