Energy efficient new homes in hot demand

The fact that today's new build homes are better insulated, heated and ventilated, all help to reduce their carbon emissions and reduce the cost of running a property, which appeals to most homebuyers.

Because most homes in this country were built decades ago, it is projected that thousands of each year will require extra insulation, new windows and other energy saving features in order to fight climate change and fuel poverty.

However, more housebuilders are building new homes, in accordance with greater sustainable and energy efficient building regulations.

More new build homes include greater restrictions on water usage, an understanding of air tightness - less air leakage out of a home means lower energy use - and a reduction in operational energy use, among other eco-friendly improvements.

With a government target to go zero-carbon by 2016, more housebuilder are switching to a ‘greener model' of investment, by committing to innovation, quality and sustainability.

New home developer Larkfleet Homes' Martingale Mews development at Barleythorpe near Oakham illustrates the popularity of green-friendly new build homes.

The Bourne-based housebuilder recently completed the sale of all twelve new homes at its Martingale Mews development at Barleythorpe near Oakham in Leicestershire.

The houses - ranging from three to four bedrooms and with prices from £186,950 to £235,000 have been built to high environmental standards. They have energy-efficiency and environmental impact ratings up to 40% better than older comparable homes in the area.

Jason Colmer, sales director at Larkfleet Homes, said: "The low energy bills that these homes will have is one reason why they have sold so well.

"In addition, of course, they benefit from guarantees and quality assurance that it is not possible to get with a second-hand home. Every house has its own quality manual recording details of its construction and showing that it has been built to the high standards that our customers expect and deserve."