Expert guides, market updates, and everything you need to know about buying a new-build home in the UK
Sustainability & EnergyExplains why well-insulated, airtight new build homes can overheat in summer, the Part O regulations developers must now follow, and practical fixes like shading, ventilation and cooling strategies to keep rooms comfortable.
Sustainability & EnergyExplains how heat interface units meter and bill communal district heating in new build flats, why standing charges can exceed a typical gas bill, what new Ofgem heat network regulation means for pricing, and questions to ask before buying.
Sustainability & EnergyA comprehensive guide to Energy Performance Certificate ratings for new build homes in the UK. Learn what EPC ratings A, B, and C mean, how they affect your annual energy bills, and why most new builds achieve a B or C rating. Includes visual comparisons, cost breakdowns, and tips for improving your home's energy efficiency.
Sustainability & EnergyA comprehensive guide to insulation in UK new build homes. Covers cavity wall insulation (PIR, mineral wool, EPS), loft insulation at 270mm+, floor insulation types, U-values explained, Part L requirements, thermal bridging, airtightness testing, and SAP calculations. Includes comparison tables for old vs new build performance.
Sustainability & EnergyHow to use smart home technology to cut energy bills in your new build home. Compares smart thermostats (Hive, Nest, Tado) with costs and features, covers zoned heating, smart meters, energy monitoring apps, smart plugs, TRVs, automated lighting, and time-of-use tariffs like Octopus Agile. Typical savings of 10-25%.
Sustainability & EnergyA complete guide to EV charging at new build homes in the UK. Covers Part S Building Regulations, wallbox types (7kW and 22kW), smart chargers like Ohme and Zappi, solar integration, electricity tariffs, and annual cost comparisons showing home charging saves over £1,200 per year versus public charging and petrol.
Sustainability & EnergyA comprehensive guide to water efficiency in UK new build homes. Covers Building Regulations Part G (110 litres per person per day), dual-flush WCs, aerated taps, flow restrictors, water meters, average water bills, metered vs unmetered costs, drought-resilient landscaping, and developer specification differences.
Sustainability & EnergyA complete guide to underfloor heating in UK new build homes. Compares wet and electric UFH systems, installation costs, running costs, and performance against traditional radiators. Includes stat cards, comparison charts, heat pump compatibility, developer upgrade options, and practical advice on zoned control and floor coverings.
Sustainability & EnergyA detailed guide to ventilation systems in UK new build homes. Covers MVHR (Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery), MEV, PIV, and natural ventilation. Includes comparison tables for costs, energy recovery, and suitability, plus Building Regulations Part F, filter maintenance, condensation prevention, and indoor air quality guidance.
Sustainability & EnergyA comprehensive guide to triple glazing for UK new build homes. Compares double vs triple glazing performance including U-values, costs, noise reduction, comfort improvements, and payback periods. Covers Part L requirements, developer upgrade availability, solar gain considerations, and when triple glazing is genuinely worth the investment.
Sustainability & EnergyA comprehensive guide to sustainable building materials used in modern UK new build homes. Compare timber frame, low-carbon concrete, and natural insulation options with embodied carbon data, recycled content percentages, and developer sustainability commitments to make an informed, eco-conscious home purchase.
Sustainability & EnergyHow green is your new build home really? We break down the full carbon footprint of UK new builds, comparing operational and embodied CO2 emissions against older homes. Includes visual charts, lifecycle analysis, and practical tips for reducing your home's environmental impact.