The energy efficiency of new builds: Can older properties match?

“We don’t build them like we used to”

This is a phrase we often hear when showing a client around a charming period property with historic architectural detail and unique features. It’s certainly true that newly built homes find it difficult to compete against the character of period homes, but there is one area where modern homes are winning this unspoken battle.

New build properties often have some of the best energy efficiency ratings in the country, appealing to buyers due to their cheaper ongoing costs. In this article, we’ll discuss this, and ask whether older properties can be adapted to match.

Properties and energy efficiency ratings

Every property in the UK is given two energy efficiency ratings. One of these ratings is based on the property’s current energy efficiency rating, and the other is its potential energy efficiency rating, should improvements be made. The rating is assessed on a scale from A to G, with A being the most energy efficient and G being the least energy efficient.

The latest report on energy efficiency of properties in England and Wales shows interesting results. The data highlights that the median energy efficiency rating is in Band D, with the most energy-efficient property type being a flat or maisonette.

This is particularly relevant as the report states that 80% of all properties built before 1930 were rated between Band D and Band G, suggesting that older properties do have an energy efficiency problem.

Energy efficiency and property appeal

Naturally, home buyers want to purchase a property that is energy efficient as this will reduce the ongoing heating (and possibly cooling) costs in the long term.

This has become more important recently in terms of the cost of living crisis and spiralling energy costs. It’s difficult to watch the news and not hear a story about energy prices of late, and this only puts more pressure on the property market to deliver energy-efficient homes.

This was confirmed in a recent survey conducted by Zoopla that found energy efficiency was important or very important to 70% of new build buyers, continuing to state that buyers can save an estimated 52% on energy bills by purchasing a new build home.

So, can older properties compete?

Established older properties may not be able to match the energy efficiency of new build homes, simply because they have been built with different materials and technology. Trying to transform an older home to have the same energy efficiency as a new build may require serious (and costly) renovations. But that doesn’t mean older properties can’t be improved to become more energy efficient with additions such as better insulation, solar panels, heat pumps and triple glazing. 
                                  
While new builds boast top energy efficiency ratings, older properties can significantly improve through upgrades like insulation, solar panels and modern systems.

Contact our team today to discuss the sale of your home.