Weston Homes reports that investing in a new build house or apartment could help buyers combat the rising cost of living. New research based on Government Energy Performance Certificate data has found that buyers of a new build apartment will save an average of just over £2,000 a year in energy bills. The report ‘Watt a Save’, published by the Home Builders Federation (HBF), shows that in total, last year’s new build purchasers are saving more than £500m on annual energy bills, with new build homes emitting a third of the carbon of an older property, reducing carbon emissions by over 500,000 tonnes.
With sales soaring at Weston Homes’ recent developments such as 1023 West in Brentwood, Essex where over 65% of homes have now sold the appeal of lower household bills, more outdoor space and access to a thriving community is encouraging buyers to snap up these more sustainable living opportunities.1023 Brentwood is a £32 million (GDV) new residential development of 81 converted and newly built one- and two-bedroom apartments and three- and four-bedroom houses (all houses have now sold) The development includes the meticulous conversion of La Plata House, a Georgian manor-house formerly used as a Police Station, now a magnificent collection of just 9 luxurious apartments.
With housing accounting for 40% of the UK’s energy use it is imperative that this energy is used efficiently. 84% of new build homes have an A or B rating for energy efficiency compared with less than 4% of existing properties, according to Government EPC research and data. The average new home uses an approximately 100kwh/m2 per year as opposed to 259kwh/m2 per year in older homes.
The Weston Homes design team carefully considers every element of their homes from insulation to airtight junctions and glazing to heating specifications, all in a bid to optimise energy efficiency. The less heat energy that escapes, the less energy is required from the heating system, reducing both CO2 emissions and running costs.
New build properties are associated with incurring less unforeseen costs than even relatively modern existing homes. They are bound by the UK Building Regulations giving peace of mind to homeowners. Each property is also covered by a two-year builder’s warranty followed by an eight-year structural warranty and there’s a customer services team a phone call away should there be any problems.
According to a recent YouGov survey 33% of British home buyers say the pandemic has made having a garden more important to them, with 25% of buyers seeking access to more green space than they currently have. 1023 West is a premium residential development which combines history with new and meticulously converted homes located within attractive gardens and mature landscaped grounds. Situated in Brentwood, nestled in greenbelt on the edge of London, 1023 West benefits from sprawling countryside and an abundance of nature reserves on its doorstep, making the homes ideal for buyers wanting to relocate from London and benefit from more living space. Additionally, all remaining apartments still available have outside balconies or terraces.
With many households now opting to entertain and socialise at home, buyers are keen to embrace spacious, open plan living. All apartments in 1023 West feature open plan kitchen and living areas, providing a central hub for relaxing and entertaining. Weston Homes properties offer a market leading fully inclusive specification in every property to minimise those ‘start up’ costs of buying a home.
At 1023 West kitchens are equipped with a wide range of designer Oakwood kitchen units and quartz stone worktops. Every property includes as standard an integrated fridge/freezer, washer/dryer and dishwasher, with energy saving ceramic hobs. These products have been chosen for their energy and water efficiency as well as their performance to help reduce CO2, waste and running costs.
Suzanne Aplin, Group Sales & Marketing Director at Weston Homes says “The energy crisis is highlighting starkly the efficiency benefits and cost savings provided by new build homes. Energy efficiency is a growing priority for house hunters and the financial savings clearly demonstrate why. 1023 West provides an exceptional opportunity to purchase an energy efficient, affordable home within a beautiful suburban town whilst being secure in the knowledge that buyers are saving money in the face of the cost-of-living crisis by investing in a new build home.”
1023 West offers some properties with the Discount Market Sale Scheme priced from £265,000 for new one-bedroom apartments and £367,500 for a two-bedroom Discount Market Sale apartment. Discount Market Sale is a home ownership product designed to help eligible buyers get onto the property ladder with a 20% discount of the full market value (terms and conditions apply). Private for sale new two-bedroom apartments are priced from £460,000 and converted two-bedroom apartments in historic La Plata building from £475,000.
