As housing demand continues to outgrow supply across the country, more people than ever are struggling to get on the housing ladder.
But it appears that to those who are waiting to set their foot on the first rung, energy-efficient homes are not just crucial factors, they could be deal breakers when it comes to market dynamics.
Millennials and Gen Z especially are prioritising eco-friendly and energy-efficient homes above all else. They want smart technology, sustainable materials and even green roofs (using vegetation and flowers instead of conventional roofing materials).
This demographic shift is leading to an increased demand for properties that integrate modern technology with sustainable features.
Government initiatives are supporting this transition by incentivising renewable energy options and enforcing energy efficiency regulations for new constructions.
Of course, the UK has a long way to go when it comes to reaching the eco-standards that some other countries have, but even the smallest changes can bring progress.
Essex housebuilder Redrow recently launched a range of new, highly energy efficient homes across its two of its flagship developments in Witham and Basildon.
More than 100 new homes, featuring air source heat pumps and underfloor heating across the ground floor, have been released at The Mulberries, in Witham, and Westley Green in Basildon.
The latest phase at The Mulberries, one of Redrow’s most popular Essex developments, features a collection of 89 four- and five-bedroom detached homes from the Heritage Collection.
Launched to the public in July, the Henley house type, which includes four bedrooms, including two with en-suites, a large family room and open-plan dining kitchen space, is already providing popular with local homebuyers.
Westley Green’s newest phase meanwhile comprises 43 three and four bedroom semi-detached and detached homes, ready to move into from early 2025.
Another of the company’s big eco- projects is Mandeville Crescent, in Saffron Walden, which, when finished, will also feature the Redrow’s Eco Electric collection, including air source heat pumps, underfloor heating, and thicker insulation
Situated on the western edge of the historic market town, the stylish development will feature 60 two-to-five-bedroom homes and bungalows, appealing to a wide range of homebuyer ages. The first residents are expected to be welcomed from this winter.
Prices start from £605,000 for a three-bedroom Stratford Lifestyle home and £875,000 for a five bedroom Hampstead property. The substantial four-bedroom Richmond home is available from £950,000, with bungalows available later
The launch of the new homes in Witham and Basildon followed research from Redrow which revealed a quarter (24 per cent) of homeowners in the East of England are considering moving to a more energy efficient home to make savings on their bills. A further third (39 per cent) of people in the area would prefer to move to a new build home due to their energy efficient features.
Experts believe air source heat pumps are more efficient than gas boilers, as they capture heat that is already present in the environment and the system itself does not burn any fuel, therefore no carbon dioxide is emitted.
The underfloor heating to the ground floor installed in Redrow’s Heritage Collection homes is another green bonus as it means the large open plan spaces can be efficiently heated, without the need for radiators.
Jody Bryant, Sales Director at Redrow Eastern said: 'We’re pleased to announce the launches of much needed, high quality energy efficient homes at two of our most popular developments in Essex.
'We know that buyers in the East are very keen on ensuring they’re buying a home that is fit for the future, with our new range of Eco-Electric homes proving very popular amongst those who came down to our launch events.'
Meanwhile sustainable homebuilder Stonebond and Sempra Homes has been sharing the company’s eco credentials with schoolchildren who visited its ongoing Ghyllgrove Close development in Basildon
Youngsters from nearby Ghyllgrove Community Primary School were donned hard hats to enjoy a tour of the 34-home development which is being built on a brownfield site of a former care home that had been redundant for many years.
Ghyllgrove Close will consist of mixed tenure homes with private for sale and shared ownership homes available, as a result of a partnership between Stonebond and Sempra, the housebuilding arm of Basildon Council. The homes will include properties with two, three and four bedrooms, all built to high energy efficiency standards
Lisa Morley, Deputy Headteacher at Ghyllgrove Community Primary School, said the pupils really appreciated the chance to learn about the construction industry: 'We strive to provide a well-structured, engaging curriculum that inspires curiosity in the children, so were delighted to connect with Stonebond for a tour of the Ghyllgrove Close site,' she said.
'The children learned valuable lessons about health and safety and about how our homes are built, embracing the opportunity to think more about something that we often take for granted.'
