Tuesday, 03rd February 2026
If you’re a homeowner or a first-time buyer looking for a property that saves on your energy bills, then we have great news for you. New research by the Home Builders Federation (HBF) and Octopus Energy reveals that the average new build home cuts energy bills by 21%. That’s an annual saving of around £420!
• On average, new build homeowners’ annual energy bills are around £1,574, while those living in older homes pay around £1,995*
• Last year, people living in older homes spent an average of 21% more on their overall energy bills, compared to new build homeowners*
It’s unsurprising that improving the energy efficiency of our homes and reducing bills has become a priority for many homeowners and first-time buyers.
But what are the benefits of buying a new build home based on the recent report by the HBF? Let’s take a closer look…
A recent report released by The Home Builders Federation (HBF) and Octopus Energy, and Octopus Energy, for New Homes Week (February 2 -8) highlights the energy bill savings owners of new build homes can enjoy. Based on Ofgem’s price cap and EPC registration data of new and existing properties they found:
• The average new build homeowner, living in a property with an Energy Performance Rating (EPC) of A or B, spent around £1,574 on their energy bills last year.
• Those living in older homes with a D rating paid on average 21% more – that’s an extra £1,995
• The savings could be even greater. Last year, people living in homes with Energy Performance Certificate ratings of F or G spent 39% more on their energy bills than the average new build homeowner.
• The average new build is £618 a year cheaper to run than an older home with an F or G EPC rating.
According to the most recent findings from February 2026, new build homes don’t just provide greater energy efficiency, they also offer the chance to cut your carbon emissions by up to 74% without changing your habits.
All of our new homes achieve A or B EPC ratings, whereas the HBF and Octopus Energy found than most older homes are D rated.
Their research shows the average home emits around 2,179kg of carbon per year, while D rated homes produce 3,266kg of carbon annually – that’s 50% more. Older homes with an F or G EPC rating emit 74% more carbon than most new build homes, producing 3,787kg every year.
The research also looked at the cost of renovations needed in an older property to bring it inline with a new build home. It found that to upgrade an older home so it’s as energy efficient as a new home it would cost between £23,100 and £83,000.
The data also suggests that features that come as standard in a new build home could add 6% to a home’s market value, meaning that when you come to resell you could achieve a higher price.
The advantages of new build homes go beyond financial savings. They offer the opportunity for customisation and personalisation without the need for costly renovations. Additionally, they contribute positively to environmental conservation and support natural biodiversity.
Considering the substantial savings and environmental benefits, it’s no wonder that many homebuyers are opting for the advantages of new build homes. With properties built to the latest standards and regulations, along with Made to Measure Rewards, the path to owning an energy-efficient home has never been more accessible.
Unlock the incredible benefits of new build homes today and take a step towards a brighter, more sustainable future!
*Watt a Save 2026, Home Builders Federation (HBF) and Octopus Energy
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