Energy conscious living in a new build property in Watford, by Weston Homes: Tackling the cost of living

Weston Homes reports that investing in a new build house or apartment could help buyers combat the rising cost of living. New research based on Government Energy Performance Certificate data has found that buyers of a new build apartment will save an average of just over £2,000 a year in energy bills. The report ‘Watt a Save’, published by the Home Builders Federation (HBF), shows that in total, last year’s new build purchasers are saving more than £500m on annual energy bills, with new build homes emitting a third of the carbon of an older property, reducing carbon emissions by over 500,000 tonnes.With sales soaring at Weston Homes’ recent developments such as The Laundry Works in Watford, with the latest phase over 75% sold, the appeal of lower household bills, more outdoor space and access to a thriving community is encouraging buyers to snap up these more sustainable living opportunities.

The Laundry Works situated on Sydney Road in Watford is an £85m development on the 2.5-acre site of the old Watford Laundry Factory. The development features eight architecturally distinctive brick façade buildings, ranging in height from three to 13 storeys, which will provide 248 new one, two and three-bedroom apartments. The Laundry Works is set within a wide tree-lined boulevard with extensive communal landscaped gardens.

With housing accounting for 40% of the UK’s energy use it is imperative that this energy is used efficiently. 84% of new build homes have an A or B rating for energy efficiency compared with less than 4% of existing properties, according to Government EPC research and data. The average new home uses approximately 100kwh/m2 per year as opposed to 259kwh/m2 per year in older homes.New and sophisticated insulation methods are a key factor in reduced energy bills. The Laundry Works has been constructed with British Offsite UNI Panel, a precision factory-made panelised wall system which provides excellent insulation levels wrapped tightly around the building, resulting in a thermally efficient and airtight home.

The Weston Homes design team carefully considers every element of their homes from insulation to airtight junctions and glazing to heating specifications, all in a bid to optimise energy efficiency. The less heat energy that escapes, the less energy is required from the heating system, reducing both CO2 emissions and running costs.

New build properties are associated with incurring less unforeseen costs than even relatively modern existing homes. They are bound by the UK Building Regulations giving peace of mind to homeowners. Each property is also covered by a two-year builder’s warranty followed by an eight-year structural warranty and there’s a customer services team a phone call away should there be any problems. Safety and security have been kept in mind at The Laundry Works, and homes are built using fire resistant materials with the inclusion of smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors and automatic sprinkler systems.

According to a recent YouGov survey 33% of British home buyers say the pandemic has made having a garden more important to them, with 25% of buyers seeking access to more green space than they currently have. The Laundry Works will see the creation of a thriving new residential neighbourhood within an area noted for its green spaces and decidedly village-like feel. Buyers will enjoy a relaxed lifestyle whilst still being close to the buzz of city life. Watford’s largest open space, award-winning Cassiobury Park is nearby and the 165-acre Whippendell Wood offers numerous walks.The tranquil landscaped gardens within the development provide the perfect setting to meet neighbours and host friends and family close to home.

With many households now opting to entertain and socialise at home, buyers are keen to embrace spacious, open plan living. All apartments in The Laundry Works feature open plan kitchen and living areas, providing a central hub for relaxing and entertaining, with nearly all apartments featuring a private terrace or balcony.  Weston Homes properties offer a market leading fully inclusive specification in every property to minimise those ‘start up’ costs of buying a home.Kitchens are equipped with integrated fridge/freezer, washer/dryer and dishwasher, with energy saving ceramic hobs. These products have been chosen for their energy and water efficiency as well as their performance to help reduce CO2, waste and running costs. At The Laundry Works buyers have the choice of quartz stone kitchen worktops and a wide range of designer Oakwood Kitchen units.

Suzanne Aplin, Group Sales & Marketing Director at Weston Homes says “The energy crisis is highlighting starkly the efficiency benefits and cost savings provided by new build homes. Energy efficiency is a growing priority for house hunters and the financial savings clearly demonstrate why. The Laundry Works provides an exceptional opportunity to purchase an energy efficient, affordable home within a beautiful village, whilst being secure in the knowledge that buyers are saving money in the face of the cost-of-living crisis by investing in a new build home.”

Homes at The Laundry Works are priced from £269,000 for a one-bedroom apartment, £350,000 for a two-bedroom apartment and £426,000 for a three-bedroom apartment.