New data confirms 21% energy saving on new build homes
Gleeson Homes welcomes new research from the Home Builders Federation demonstrating that new build homes are far more cost and energy efficient than second-hand homes, with homeowners typically saving over £420 a year*.
Based on data from Octopus Energy, the UK’s largest energy supplier, the Watt a Save report shows that energy bills for new build homes are 21% less than those for typical older properties.
Thanks to increasingly sustainable building practices and technology – including improved insulation, Argon windows and energy efficient heating systems - the majority of new homes achieve an A or B Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). As a result, new build homeowners spend around £1,574 a year on energy, compared with £1,995 on older homes that typically have a D rating.
Meanwhile, people living in F and G rated homes - such as some Victorian properties - typically spent 39% more on their overall energy bills last year, compared to the average new build homeowner.
At Gleeson Homes, 96% of homes achieved an EPC rating of B or above for the financial year ending June 2025.
The Watt a Save report has been released to support national New Homes Week’s ‘Power to Save’ day, providing key evidence for people looking at the long-term running costs of their next home, before they buy.
In addition to cutting running costs, the findings show new build homes are helping to cut household carbon emissions by up to 74% every year, compared to older properties. Meaning today’s new build buyers can significantly lower their carbon footprint without changing their habits.
This is the first time Octopus Energy has joined the annual New Homes Week campaign, which is coordinated by the Home Builders Federation (HBF) and supported by developers including Gleeson Homes.
“At Gleeson, we’re proud that 96% of our homes achieved an EPC rating of B or above in the last financial year. This reflects our ongoing commitment to delivering high‑quality, energy‑efficient homes that meet the latest building regulations. By continually investing in modern design, advanced materials and enhanced insulation methods, we’re ensuring our homes offer long‑term value and performance. The data from Octopus Energy reinforces this commitment. It highlights the clear difference in efficiency between new-build and older homes, demonstrating how our customers can benefit from lower energy bills while also reducing their environmental impact.”
All Gleeson homes built after June 2023 now include air-source heat pump technology, a much more sustainable option for energy consumption, designed to work more efficiently and save on overall running costs.
Gleeson customers are already experiencing the financial benefits of having an air source heat pump included as standard within their home. Julie and Stuart, a couple who purchased a new 3-bedroom detached Gleeson home at the Stoneyford Green development in Sutton-in-Ashfield, reported that they had already seen their energy bills decrease by £100 a month when compared with their existing property.
“We’ve only been using the heating for a few weeks, but our energy bill has already dropped by £100 a month. It’s taken a little while to get used to how it works, but it’s so cost-effective. The house stays warm and never feels cold.”
Click here for more information about the new, energy-efficient homes available with Gleeson.
Visit the New Homes Week website for more information about the HBF's New Homes Week ‘Power to Move’ campaign, designed to give people all the information they need about new build homes.
*Watt a Save, 2026, Home Builders Federation (HBF) and Octopus Energy Calculations based on an average 90m2 new build home achieving an A or B EPC rating, compared with the typical 90m2 older property achieving a D rating.
