Cutting energy bills is the number one priority for ‘rightsizers’, says David Wilson Homes
Posted 14 January 2016 by
Keith OsborneIt took longer than usual for many of us to experience some proper winter weather, but it now seems to have arrived across the UK. It’s the time of year when an energy-efficient new home can really come into its own, keeping in the heat and reducing the need to constantly heat up every room.
New research from national housebuilder David Wilson Homes shows that for older buyers in the Bath and Bristol area, lower energy bills are more important than having space to entertain and even having enough bedrooms for overnight guests. These ‘rightsizers’ – looking to move to a new home, but not necessarily a smaller one – have replaced the typical downsizer and place huge importance on lower running costs of a new home.
More than 70% of respondents said that lower energy bills would be important in a new home and more than 60% said this would encourage them to pick a brand new home rather than a second-hand property.
David Wilson Homes sales director Louise Ware says: “With rising energy costs continuing to hit the headlines it’s perhaps unsurprising to see that keeping bills down is high on the priority list for those looking to ‘rightsize’. A new home today is better by design – and David Wilson customers have come to expect generous accommodation. However, we now combine this with the new build techniques and new technology to minimise energy bills. You could save hundreds of pounds on fuel bills compared with older homes and also live a greener lifestyle with lower carbon dioxide emissions.”
Thanks to energy-efficient boilers, high-performance double glazing and insulation – each of which is at a much higher standard than even just ten years ago – David Wilson Homes properties are particularly energy efficient. Recent figures showing the homes could be up to 55% more energy efficient than an equivalent upgraded Victorian house, potentially saving owners more than £1,300 on heating bills every year.
David Wilson Homes has a number of developments in the Bath and Bristol area, including Oatley Park in Barrow Gurnery and Bilbie Green, which is due to open in Keynsham this month.