- What are the advantages of new-build properties?
- Why is now the right time to focus on new-build properties?
- What are the effects of the Green Homes Grant?
There is growing interest in new-build properties in the wake of the pandemic as Britain tries to support both the economy and the environment. Housing plays a substantial role in the UK’s carbon footprint. The market will be key in reaching the government’s net-zero goal on carbon emissions by 2050. Alongside this discussion, the Green Homes Grant scheme has raised awareness of the importance of eco-friendly housing improvements.
What Are The Advantages of New-Build Properties?
Cheaper Energy Bills
New-build homes usually have the top Energy Performance Certificate ratings of A or B. An EPC is a four-page document that evaluates a property’s energy performance on a scale from A to G (A being the most efficient). The EPC of a property is vital in indicating how much heating and power will cost. New-builds, with the highest rating, have considerably cheaper annual energy bills and often require less upkeep.
Environmentally Friendly
Housing plays a substantial role in the UK’s carbon footprint. Running a new-build property with efficient energy performance is much more environmentally friendly. More efficient housing is key to achieving the goal of net-zero by 2050.
Boost the Market
Eco-friendly housing is sure to promote the UK’s green credentials. This feature, in turn, will strengthen both the housing market and the private rented sector.
Why is now the right time to focus on new-build properties?
In the wake of the coronavirus, the main concern for many is the UK’s economic recovery. Placing focus on developing eco-friendly new properties could be a critical element in the UK’s economic recovery post-COVID 19.
As well as this, there is little time to wait on acting against climate change. If becoming more environmentally sustainable is top of your agenda, housing is a great place to start.
Discussing the environmental effects of our housing, property expert Evan Maindonald highlights this responsibility.
“Climate change will be far more costly to deal with in the future if it is neglected now… and so we must take the responsibility of being as environmentally sustainable as possible very seriously.
What are the effects of the Green Homes Grant?
The Green Homes Grant was put in place in 2020 to make energy efficiency improvements more accessible. The results of the Green Homes Grant are already proving to be positive, with the public’s awareness of environmental issues growing. However, the grant is due to end on 31st March 2021. As the plan reaches its end, will focus move away from energy-efficient improvements and towards EPC-friendly new-builds?
The effects of the Green Homes Grant are sure to continue. Following the government scheme, almost 84% of British homeowners plan to address energy efficiency changes in their property in 2021, according to a study by City Plumbing. Moreover, nearly 53% of households plan to invest in green measures specifically to reduce energy bills. The drive to improve the energy efficiency of our homes, alongside the surge in new-build interest is sure to have an impact. Yet, we will have to wait to find out the long-lasting effects environmentally-friendly housing will have in the UK’s fight against climate change.
To find out more about eco-friendly property, take a look at our article: Green property in 2021
