Energy conscious living in a new build property at Weston Homes’ development Springfield Park: Tackling the cost of living

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 £2000 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 Springfield Park in Maidstone – with over 80% of homes 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.

Springfield Park, a development providing 502 new apartments, is breathing new life into previously derelict land on the banks of the River Medway. The area is now undergoing extensive investment and transformation, with Springfield Park providing an exceptional new neighbourhood on the northern border of the town.

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.New and sophisticated insulation methods are a key factor in reduced energy bills. The latest phase of Springfield Park is being constructed with British Offsite UNI Panel, a precision factory-made panelised wall system which provides excellent insulation levels wrapped tightly around the building, resulting in a thermally efficient and airtight home

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 performance. The less heat energy that escapes, the less energy is required from the heating system, reducing both CO2 emissions and running costs.

At their developments which are registered under current Building Regulations, Weston Homes properties include one of the most efficient gas combination boilers available on the market. This incorporates Flue Gas Heat Recovery for additional efficiency and avoids standing heat loss from a hot water cylinder. At their developments to be built under the new June 2022 Building Regulations, Weston Homes is already ahead of the game and has, where possible, changed the designed heating provision on their sites to air source heat pumps for space and/or hot water heating.

Weston Homes’ new sites are being designed to not only meet or exceed these new Building Regulations but are indeed pushing boundaries further towards the Future Homes Standard coming into force in 2025. This demonstrates Weston Homes’ commitment to providing energy efficient and environmentally friendly homes to their customers, which is an increasing priority, with around a quarter (24%) of respondents to a recent HBF survey stating it will be ‘crucial’ to their next home move.

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. Safety and security have been kept in mind at Springfield Park, and homes are built with the inclusion of smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors and automatic sprinkler systems.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. Springfield Park sits alongside the tranquil Whatman Park with two nature reserves, a skate park, adventure play areas, a treetop walk and a river stage open-air arena; a beautiful place to visit with friends or perfect for a run or cycle along the River Medway.

Mote Park is also nearby, spanning 180 hectares, featuring a lake, woodland and heathland, making the homes ideal for buyers wanting to relocate from London and benefit from more living space.

With many households now opting to entertain and socialise at home, buyers are keen to embrace spacious, open plan living. All apartments in Springfield Park 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.Kitchens are equipped with 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. At Springfield Park buyers have the choice of quartz stone kitchen worktops and a wide range of designer Oakwood Kitchen units.

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. Springfield Park provides an exceptional opportunity to purchase an energy efficient, affordable home set against a beautiful river backdrop, 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.”

Homes at Springfield Park are priced from £199,000 for a one-bedroom apartment and £257,000 for a two-bedroom apartment.

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