GREEN HOMES
Are you an eco-conscious buyer? Then why not invest in a new build property? New homes are incredibly energy efficient and are fitted with a whole host of smart technologies.This means not only cheaper bills, but energy-efficient properties also open doors for Green mortgage deals. Not forgetting, buyers of new homes are playing a vital role in creating a zero carbon future for the UK, says Natalie Daniels, Sustainability PR Director at Building Relations WHY FIRST TIME BUYERS SHOULD CONSIDER BUYING MORE SUSTAINABLY WITH A NEW BUILD HOME
SMART DESIGN The more energy efficient your home, the lower the bills are going to be. That’s because new homes are built to retain heat – they are well insulated and also designed to optimise airflow and ventilation, rather than damp, drafty homes, making them healthy places to live and work. The hidden details lie in the fabric. As a first time buyer, the "fabric first" approach of a new property means you benefit from airtight cavities within the walls to keep as much of the heat within the building, and this does its job seamlessly without future operation or maintenance. As well as energy-efficient fabric, fittings such as appliances, including dishwashers, washing machines and fridge-freezers, will also be new, energy-efficient models. Lighting is a consideration too, and new homes will often boast
Director at Ethical Compass, comments, “There are several benefits for first time buyers, not only will it lower bills and running costs of a home, but it will also provide buyers with a healthier home, with less risk of damp and draught, making it safer, more resilient and longer lasting. Also, those who are climate conscious and aware of buying behaviours will also be doing the right thing in terms of lower carbon emissions and footprint.” James Pritchett, Communications Manager at Greencore Homes, believes in making sustainable living accessible, especially for first time buyers. He comments, “Investing in a sustainable home means not only contributing to a healthier planet but also benefiting from the economic advantages
Living in a more energy-efficient new build home doesn't necessarily mean spending more. In fact, new build homes often boast far lower running costs than many existing homes. That’s because they need to meet high energy-efficiency standards, and as a result they're both eco-friendly and cheap to heat and run. New builds often have heat pumps, smart water meters, double (or triple) glazing, wall and roof insulation and photovoltaic (PV) panels. They are also fitted with the latest energy-efficient appliances and heating. So, if you’re looking to take the first step on to the property ladder, it’s worth knowing the benefits that buying a new build home can bring. According to the Home Builders Federation, around 84% of new builds are rated A-B for energy efficiency, while just 3% of existing stock reached the same standard in the year to September 2021.¹ GREEN MONEY For first time buyers, investing in a more energy-efficient property could help unlock green financing solutions. Green mortgages can offer attractive interest rates, cashback or free energy-efficiency reports. Many mainstream mortgage lenders including Barclays, NatWest, and Virgin Money are now offering Green mortgages as part of new funding models for homes that have an Energy Performance Certificate rating of A or B.
of lower energy consumption." With great energy efficiencies and even greater environmental
low-energy LED lights throughout.
credentials, for eco-conscious buyers it’s time to take the leap
Some also come with electric car charging points as standard.
into new build and help protect our planet. hbf.co.uk/documents/ 11628/33271_HBF_ Report_ nal.pdf
Speaking about the benefits to first time buyers, Ben Holden, Managing
22 First Time Buyer August/September 2024
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