Here’s a surprising stat: 86% of new builds boast an A or B EPC rating. Compare that to older properties, where fewer than 5% hit the top marks, and London’s new homes start to look rather clever.
New-build homes have always had their appeal in convenience – just turn the key and settle in. No need to wield paintbrushes, to learn the trick for the shower, to negotiate a dodgy boiler. No drama around an onward chain holding up your plans. But now, something else is catching buyers attention: these homes are brilliant at energy efficiency, which translates to big monthly savings and long-term value.
The story so far...
When we initially wrote this article in 2022, energy bills were spiralling. Gas prices jumped 54% and everyone, everywhere were talking about their heating costs. We are past those peak crisis levels, thank goodness, however we’re not totally in the clear yet. According to government research, “Wholesale prices for gas and electricity reached new record highs in the UK, Europe and elsewhere during this ‘energy crisis’ and have still not returned to their earlier levels.”
Energy bill forecast for 2026:
- Q1 2026: Price cap sitting at £1,758
- Q2 2026: Expected to tick up by 3%
So yes, energy efficiency might not dominate tea-time conversations quite like it did in 2022, but it’s still worth caring about. In fact, as energy-smart homes become the norm rather than the exception, choosing one now can put you ahead of the curve.
A well-deserved reputation
The first question on anyone’s mind is: are new homes actually more energy efficient? And yes, generally, they are. Every new build must comply with the latest building standards, which means double or triple glazing, properly installed insulation, and efficient heating as a standard.
Home Builders Federation (HBF)’s published research, Watt a Save, puts numbers to it, 86% of new builds are A or B rated, and fewer than 5% of older homes can say the same. That’s a completely different league, and it translates directly into benefits that affect your wallet.
Your bank balance will thank you
When it comes to money, energy efficiency moves from being good for the planet to being genuinely good for your budget. According to the HBF’s research, new-build homeowners save an average of £64 per month on heating, hot water and lighting. That’s an extra £780 in your pocket per year.
Joel Ellis-Duffy
Sales Director - Foxtons New Homes
When you buy a home, it’s an investment – you want it to grow in value. Buyers are beginning to pay far more attention to energy efficient homes, which means properties with green features are starting to catch eyes and earn premiums. (Admiral’s research shows this in the graph below.) The huge advantage in a New Home is that many of these features are built in, so you’re getting that boost from day one without paying for upgrades yourself.
The appeal of green features
Average % uplift in sale price vs similar properties in the market
* Your local market is unique, book a valuation before starting work.
Source: Admiral, Green Appeal (updated 28 April 2025)
And then you’ve got to factor in the EV charging points. Any new build with planning permissions submitted after 15 June 2022 is required to have electric vehicle charge ports. That’s a smart move, considering where the car market’s heading.
Over 1.8 million fully electric cars are cruising UK roads (that’s 5.3% of all vehicles, according to ZapMap’s December 2025 data), and that percentage is only going to climb.
As British Gas points out, EV chargers are likely to have a growing impact on property values as electric cars become more mainstream and petrol cars are phased out.
Industry analysis also suggests an EV charging point could add up to £5,000 to your property value. That said, if you’re thinking about installing one (or any other home improvements) specifically to boost your sale price, it’s worth getting a valuation first. Local market trends vary, and what adds value in one neighbourhood might not have the same impact in another.
Book a valuation with Foxtons and we can walk you through which improvements would genuinely benefit your property’s value in your local market.
Amit Masrani
Sales Director - Foxtons New Homes
The tides are changing
Foxtons New Homes team have watched London’s relationship with new homes evolve dramatically over the past three decades, and right now feels like a big moment. The Future Homes Standard is changing new-builds on a grand scale:
Serious carbon cuts: New homes built from 2025 onwards must produce 75-80% less carbon emissions than those in 2013. Currently, new build homes are hitting 65% reductions according to the Home Builders Federation.
The great boiler phase-out: gas boilers are on their way out of new builds. Heat pumps and solar panels are becoming the new normal, which means lower running costs and a smaller carbon footprint from day one.
Futureproofing you can depend on: Building these features in from the start means you won’t face expensive retrofitting bills as the UK marches on towards Net Zero goals. You’re buying a home that’s already prepared for regulation to come.
If you’re ready to experience how these shifts translate into day‑to‑day living, we’d be delighted to show you around.
This article was originally written 15 September 2022. It was edited and updated 20 January 2026.
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