MARKET
EXPERT COMMENT
Leighton Buzzard and Aylesbury incorporate Part L standards, which ensure that all new homes in England are built to maximise energy. Many homes at Kingsbrook will be up to 64% more energy efficient than the average Victorian home, saving prospective buyers up to £2,590 per year in bills. The housebuilder says that fitting solar panels on rooftops will increasingly become the norm for new housing developments up and down the country. Sovereign Network Group has been installing solar panels on its developments for several years. It recently installed panels at its developments in the South West, including St Michaels’s Meadow and Moonhill Rise in Exeter and Heritage Green in Alphington. SNG’s Technical Director Richard Young says, “This forms part of our affordability strategy for customers, helping to lower their utility bills, as well as leading into the Future Homes Standard and our wider retrofit proposals in a bid to make the majority of our homes EPC rated B or above by 2047.” Solar panel supplier BOXT has spotted an increase in people considering installing solar panels and it points to Google search data showing that searches for solar panels have risen by 25% over the past six months. The company has plenty of information on its website for anyone considering the green energy switch including how solar panels work, installation and maintenance, and the benefits. Andy Pattison, BOXT’s Head of Renewables says, “Solar panels can also reduce your energy bills, with recent studies showing that with a solar panel system, you could reduce your bills by as much as £1,096 a year.” He adds that some people may be able to get panels fitted free or get a grant towards installing them via its ECO4 eligibility questionnaire via boxt.co.uk. Pattison welcomes Labour’s green energy plan, “By fostering a stable environment, the Government can help unlock the full potential of renewable energy, driving innovation, creating jobs, and ensuring a sustainable and secure energy future for the UK.This in turn should give consumers confidence in renewable energies as they see positive changes being made.”
such as solar panels – which all contribute to a property’s energy efficiency rating. A high Energy Performance Certificate, EPC, can demonstrate that a property has good insulation and glazing, ensuring it stays cool in summer and warm in colder months. The survey also found an increase in the proportion of respondents who do not want to install energy improvements themselves. This has increased from a fifth two years ago to nearly 30% today, pointing to the rising convenience of new build homes. HOUSEBUILDERS INSTALLING SOLAR PANELS Some developers are ahead of the curve when it comes to green measures including solar energy. Bellway’s first “Zero Bills” homes, which guarantee no energy bills for at least five years, are under construction in Stafford.The developer has partnered with Octopus Energy to build three eco-friendly properties at its Victoria Gate development. Each home features state-of-the-art green energy technology, including an air source heat pump, roof-mounted solar panels, plus a home battery. Octopus manages these low carbon devices through its technology platform, Kraken, to achieve a zero energy bill. A three bedroom Turner Exemplar house type is available for £287,000. Legal & General Affordable Homes, LGAH, is building a new “eco-friendly neighbourhood” Hart Grove in Thundersley, Essex.The net-zero carbon homes are all equipped with solar panels plus EV charging points. Homes have been designed to maximise energy efficiency and will meet EPC A standards. Hart Grove contains two and three bedroom homes, available for sale in early 2025 through shared ownership. Barratt David Wilson North Thames has also noticed increased demand for energy-efficient homes. Sales and Marketing Director Marc Woolfe says that, while traditionally buyers’ priorities have been price and location, sustainability is increasingly important, particularly when it affects how much money can be saved on energy bills. Its latest homes at Clipstone Park and Kingsbrook developments in
Energy-ef cient new homes are on the rise, with the number of new homes awarded top EPC A grade hitting a record high in the second quarter of this year. We are now seeing an uptick in demand for these homes, with our survey showing the rst notable shift in over three years. This trend has longer to run as more buyers are also taking note of future environmental regulations and planning ahead.
Anna Ward, Associate in Knight Frank’s research team
EXPERT COMMENT
We are nding that Gen Z is more concerned about the environmental impact of their lifestyle and are asking more questions about renewable energy sources and the long-term sustainability of the home. As this generation become rst time buyers in the next ve to 10 years, we expect these considerations to have a signi cant in uence on their purchasing decisions.
Marc Woolfe, Sales & Marketing Director, Barratt
David Wilson North Thames
EXPERT COMMENT
Labour aims to double onshore wind, triple solar power, and quadruple offshore wind by 2030. In light of this, there is a hope for stability and clear direction from the Government, ensuring that the energy industry can move forward and achieve its targets. Clear policies, consistent support, and streamlined regulatory processes will be crucial. By fostering a stable environment, the Government can help unlock the full potential of renewable energy, driving innovation, creating jobs, and ensuring a sustainable and secure energy future for the UK. This in turn should give consumers con dence in renewable energies.”
Andy Kerr, Founder, BOXT
First Time Buyer October/November 2024 101
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