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STAY WARM
All you need to know about buying a new home with Crest Nicholson
Our buying schemes can
help you move sooner
See our new homes in
- BEDFORDSHIRE
- BERKSHIRE
- BRISTOL
- BUCKINGHAMSHIRE
- EAST RIDING OF YORKSHIRE
- EAST SUSSEX
- ESSEX
- GLOUCESTERSHIRE
- HAMPSHIRE
- HEREFORDSHIRE
- HERTFORDSHIRE
- KENT
- LEICESTERSHIRE
- MIDDLESEX
- NORTH YORKSHIRE
- NORTHAMPTONSHIRE
- OXFORDSHIRE
- SHROPSHIRE
- SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE
- SOUTH YORKSHIRE
- STAFFORDSHIRE
- SUFFOLK
- SURREY
- WARWICKSHIRE
- WEST MIDLANDS
- WEST YORKSHIRE
- WILTSHIRE
From how often we think twice before turning the heating on to carefully managing appliances to save on energy, energy bills are an important consideration for many homeowners. As a result, more buyers are paying closer attention to the design and efficiency of a home when choosing where to live.
Recent research suggests that the age and design of a home can make a meaningful difference to energy use. According to the latest findings from the Home Builders Federation (HBF) and Octopus Energy, new build homes are typically cheaper to run than older properties, offering hundreds of pounds worth of savings over the course of a year.
What does the latest HBF research show?
In February 2026, the HBF and Octopus Energy published ‘Watt a Save’, a detailed report comparing energy usage and running costs across different types of homes in the UK. Rather than focusing on individual developments, the research draws on large-scale industry data to provide a broad, national picture of how homes are performing, highlighting clear trends in efficiency between new build and older properties.
How much could households save in a new home?
Findings from the latest HBF and Octopus Energy research shows that households living in new build homes spend, on average, £420 less per year on energy bills than those living in older homes. That’s roughly a 21% reduction, which can make a huge difference to monthly budgets.
While individual savings will vary depending on household size, lifestyle and tariff choices, the figures suggest that buyers choosing a Crest Nicholson home can benefit from comfort without constant worry of running costs.
Why do new build homes use less energy?
Modern new build homes are designed to meet current building regulations, which is why they use less energy than many older properties.
Features such as improved insulation, modern construction methods, efficient heating systems and higher build quality, all work together to reduce heat loss and limit unnecessary energy use.
How do EPC ratings impact running costs?
The Watt a Save report highlights that the majority of new build homes achieve an EPC rating of A or B, placing them among the most energy-efficient properties in the UK.
Older homes are far more likely to fall into lower EPC bands, which are often linked to higher energy consumption. The research shows that the difference in running costs becomes more noticeable when comparing new build homes with the least energy-efficient older properties, particularly during periods of high heating demand like winter. You can learn more about the cost saving benefits of buying a new build home here.
Looking for an energy-efficient new home?
If you’re looking for a home that can help you save money on energy bills while being kinder to the environment, explore our range of thoughtfully designed energy-efficient new homes for sale here.
FAQ: Energy-efficient new homes
Why are new homes cheaper to run than older properties?
New build homes are constructed to modern energy standards, with features like high-quality insulation, airtight construction, and energy-efficient heating systems. These features reduce heat loss and improve energy use, meaning less energy is needed to maintain a comfortable home.
What EPC rating does a new build home have?
The ‘Watt a Save’ report found that nearly all new build homes achieve an EPC rating of A or B, making them among the most energy-efficient homes available in the UK housing market.
Why do lenders care about EPC ratings?
Lenders are increasingly recognising the link between energy efficiency and long-term affordability. While policies vary, EPC ratings are becoming a more prominent consideration within the wider housing and mortgage market.
How does living in a new build affect my monthly energy budgeting?
Living in a new build can make budgeting simpler. Lower and more consistent energy use helps avoid seasonal spikes in bills, while efficient systems and design reduce the need for constant heating adjustments, giving homeowners more predictable monthly costs.
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