Buying a new-build can save energy and money
We want you to keep the faith in your home-buying prospects. The new-build homes we develop are built with energy-efficiency in mind, which can help reduce everyday costs.
Advantages of buying new-build
At Latimer, we know how hard it is for first-time buyers to get that leg-up into property ownership. The prospect of owning your own home can feel even more out of reach at the moment. Pretty much everywhere on the planet is facing a cost of living crisis.
We took a dive into the detail of a few of our Latimer home buyers. We found some positive examples of real-life savings to share, that may give you some cheer.
In addition, read on to find out about our new collection of homes at Hollymead Square in Newport, with zero energy bills for at least five years, guaranteed.
Zero Bills
Zero Bills is a world-first smart proposition that offers homebuyers the opportunity to move into homes which are fully kitted out with green energy technology – including solar panels, home batteries and heat pumps – and with no energy bills for at least five years, guaranteed.
We’re proud to join forces with one of the UK’s leading energy providers, Octopus Energy, to offer the UK’s first Zero Bills shared ownership homes.
We look forward to supporting Octopus Energy in its commitment to delivering 100,000 Zero Bills homes by 2030. Together, we’re building a more sustainable future.
Keep your home-buying dreams alive
Our homes are built with energy efficiency in mind. Comparing the energy efficiency of where you live at the moment to that of a brand new home of your own may be just the tonic you need to keep your home-buying dreams alive. If you’re not responsible for paying your bills at the moment, have a chat with your family – they’re likely to be able to add some perspective for you.
Asta at Castle Hill by Latimer
Asta trades converted monastery for lower living costs and increased comfort
In April 2022, Australian-born Asta decided to put down permanent roots in Kent. Spurred on by rising energy costs, the move meant Asta would be leaving behind the draughty rooms and thin airy windows of her Grade II listed converted monastery that she had been renting for nearly seven years. Asta is now enjoying her new home – a 35% share of a two bedroom house at our Castle Hill development in Ebbsfleet – and she has been won over by the comfort and convenience of her energy-efficient new-build.
Asta loved the character of her old home, but was less enamoured with the cold winters and high running costs, explaining: “It’s crazy going from a property in which I was always freezing to one where I’m almost too warm! My previous home was very draughty. This house is really well-built and it makes such a difference to have double glazing and modern insulation – it’s so much more comfortable.” Due to the higher EPC rating, Asta has noticed a significant saving in her energy bills: “By the time I left, I was paying around £500 each month to refill the oil tank that gave me hot water and heating. Here I have a direct debit of £126 for my energy bills and have been way under that each month."
Buying with shared ownership meant that Asta could get onto the ladder sooner: “This way I can work towards owning the property and I plan to buy more shares in two years’ time. It’s working out at about the same price as where I was before, but is a much better long-term investment for me."
The rise of modern construction methods, combined with contemporary features in new Latimer homes, can lead to the reduction of everyday energy costs. A typical Latimer home may include energy-efficient features as standard such as A+ rated integrated appliances, on-site energy centres and even triple-glazing.
We can't forget that buying a home is a huge financial and emotional investment in the first place. But it's a decision that's for the long-term. Thinking to the future the circumstances of these two customers demonstrate some day-to-day savings to be made through buying an efficient new-build property.
Take a look at your current Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).
You can compare it to the Predicted Energy Assessment (PEA) for the new-build home you’re hoping to buy.
You may be pleasantly surprised.
