Why buying new now is great news for your pocket

As household bills rise exponentially, the desire for an energy efficient, well-insulated home has never been bigger. With modern insulation and built to the latest energy-efficient standards, new build homes, including Countryside homes, provide a fantastic option for those looking to lower their monthly energy bills. The House Builder’s Federation (HBF) latest Watt a Save report reports that new build homeowners are saving over £500 million a year in energy bills, with those that own a newly built house set to save £3,117.85 in 2023 alone!

The HBF surveyed nearly 1.7 million properties, including over 1.4 million existing homes and 250,000 new builds. The research found that owners of new build apartments save £2,000 per year, whilst house owners save £2,600, with the next rise of energy prices in summer 2023 set to further increase savings at £2,510.73 and £3,117.85 respectively. In addition to these immense savings for buyers, new build homes are significantly more environmentally friendly, collectively reducing carbon emissions by over 500,000 tonnes.

Countryside customers Chris, a project manager (34), and Chloe, a performer (33), recently bought their first home at The Paddocks in Cressing, Essex. They chose their new home with rising energy costs in mind. “It’s been so reassuring for us to have a new build home. With energy costs looking to rise so dramatically this winter, having lots of energy-saving features included as standard makes us feel much better about managing the energy bills in our new home.” Chloe says.

But why do new build homes save owners so much? It is mainly down to how they are built. New build properties – including all Countryside homes – benefit from double-glazed windows as standard, in addition to roof insulation and an extra layer of insulation between walls. By insulating the space between the outside and inside wall, the temperature of the home can be more easily regulated, meaning the home will be warmer than an older home in the winter and cooler in the summer. New build homes also have the benefit of boilers being installed with the latest technology and thermostats, making it easier to monitor your energy usage, whilst newly-built homes implement techniques such as sealing gaps and cracks to prevent draughts, in turn making the house warmer and more comfortable.

Sarah (47) and her partner Stacey (47), recently moved into their home at Meadow Rise in Braintree, Essex, and they have already noticed a difference in the amount of energy they are saving. She comments: “I am thrilled we bought a new build especially for their energy efficient features, we have noticeably used our heating less which is such a bonus.”

At Countryside, we pride ourselves on building homes that are not only in fantastic locations and affordable, but are also energy efficient, benefitting our buyers and saving them money in the long run. Our green initiative, Greener by Design, is our promise to our customers to continue to build energy efficient homes. All of our properties have an EPC rating of B or above, compared to just 4% of existing properties that reach the same standard. At a selection of our developments, we are also integrating renewable technology features, including EV charging points and solar panels, such as at Wolsey Park in Rayleigh.

If you are looking to save money and enjoy the benefits of living in a new home, take a look at our beautiful new homes at Beaulieu in Chelmsford.  Offering a stunning range of traditional style 1-4 bedroom houses and contemporary 1-3 bedroom apartments, these energy efficient properties feature A-rated boilers, low energy LED lighting and smart thermostats. With a wealth of new facilities on the doorstep, including a neighbourhood centre and schools and surrounded by natural parkland, with a network of footpaths and cycleways buyers can enjoy a sustainable way of life. 

Meadow Rise is another of our developments reaping the rewards of our ‘Greener by Design’ pledge. A development that benefits both the environment and your bank account, all properties here are fitted with integrated appliances with high efficiency ratings. Kitchens and bathrooms incorporate measures to reduce water bills, with taps and showers using aerated technology to get the feel of a strong flow, but using less water. Situated just outside of Braintree town centre, residents here will enjoy the best of both worlds, benefitting from the array of facilities in Braintree, as well as the stunning landscape of mature greenery back at home.

For those looking to live a greener way of life, Westcombe Park in Maldon, Essex is our brand new garden village that wraps around ancient woodland. Here we have recently appointed The Land Trust to manage the 30 acres of existing woodland at Heybridge Wood within the development, ensuring the open space is managed and preserved for the local community we are creating and the environment. Buyers here can enjoy a sustainable way of life, making the most of the green space, particularly the community allotments on site.

To find out more about our Greener by Design homes, click here.