New builds are considerably more affordable to run and less damaging to the environment, according to the latest research.

Householders living in newly-developed properties now save an average of £556 per year on energy bills when compared to older-style homes, primarily due to the presence of insulation and efficient heating systems.

The New Homes Marketing Board, which commissioned the report, said that on top of the financial savings the upsurge in energy efficiency is also having a noticeable impact on the nation's carbon footprint.

It found that harmful CO2 emissions can be reduced by up to 60 per cent in new homes compared to older builds, roughly the equivalent of taking one car off Britain's roads a year per household.

David Pretty, chairman of the New Homes Marketing Board, commented: "With energy bills forecast to rise by up to 20 per cent this year, there has never been a better time to consider buying a new home and cut down on energy consumption."

In December 2006, the government estimated that private dwellings account for 27 per cent of the UK's greenhouse gas emissions.


© Adfero Ltd

Author:  Joanne McCabe

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