EXPERTS
Agony agent Readers put their property questions to our guest panel of experts: solicitors, mortgage advisers, property gurus and shared ownership providers
THIS MONTH’S PANEL OF EXPERTS
Mandi Doyle , Strategic Business Partnership
Manager, LSL Land & New Homes
Paula Higgins , CEO of HomeOwners Alliance and Property Commentator of the Year
Toby Greenhow ,
Head of New Homes, East of England, Savills
Energy Efficiency Q I’ve heard that new homes are more energy efficient, will that actually make a difference to me? Molly Saunders, Nottingham A Short answer,Yes.The energy efficiency standards of new homes are so much better than homes even from the late 20th century because of improvements in build quality. According to the HBF, 87% of new build homes have an EPC rating of A or B, compared to less than 5% of older properties, this means they release up to 74% less carbon a year. Less carbon emissions benefit the environment, but this also means energy costs are up to 27% cheaper on a new home! Brand new insulation and windows means it will take less energy to heat your home, while water-efficient features also mean new build residents use 40 litres of water less per person, which also cuts down your bills. Many new build homes are also built with solar panels or air source heat pumps which help to generate cheaper, greener energy to power and heat your home.The new Future Homes Standard will soon require that all new homes in England have solar panels and heat pumps installed, and will make the difference even better.The Future Homes policy aimed at improving the energy efficiency of our homes also points to a wider benefit.There is increasing emphasis on the efficiency of homes, and buying new can help to futureproof you from potential retrofitting costs down the line. Did you know there are even mortgage products aimed at those buying eco-friendly homes? Green mortgages are an increasing feature of the market, rewarding buyers with cashback or a better interest rate if they’re buying a home with an A or B EPC rating. Saving on your mortgage can make the move to a new home even more worthwhile.The energy efficiency of a new build home can not only benefit the planet, it can certainly benefit you!
TEST THE PANEL
We need your questions... If you have any queries, or difficulties in understanding the property buying process, our panel of experts is waiting to help. Send our team your questions on buying property, shared ownership, legal issues, or your financial problems and we’ll find the best person from the panel to give the advice you need.
Email your questions to: lynda@ rsttimebuyermag.co.uk
Mandi Doyle
118 First Time Buyer June/July 2026
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