Buy new to beat the bills

It’s around this time every year that energy bills leave consumers out in the cold. With winter evenings turning cooler and darkness falling long before most people get home from work the inevitable worry about winter bills creeps in. Despite the recent simplification of tariff structures from one of Britain’s biggest suppliers energy bills are expected to rise still.

The average household dual fuel bill in the UK is now £1293 – a number pushed up by an estimated £224 over the past year.

I’m not going to debate the causes behind rising fuel costs. There are many factors that have pushed up fuel bills in 2012; EU carbon reduction targets a sluggish economy and knock on effects from world disasters have all played their part. However there is one way to beat the bills- aside from donning that extra Christmas Jumper.

If you’re looking to buy a new home this could be the perfect way to save on future energy bills (as well as avoid the soaring prices of rent). Admittedly this isn’t an option that is available to everyone but on the back of the recently announced Housing Strategy for those that have been waiting patiently now could be the smartest time to buy a new home.

New homes are built to the latest environmental standards and are up to six times more energy efficient than older style properties. The latest innovations in design mean that all of our homes benefit from wall and roof insulation low energy high output heating systems and double glazing to ensure that the heat is kept well and truly locked in.

Whenever energy companies make headlines with rising fuel prices and large profit margins I can’t help but think that buying a new home is becoming the smartest investment in these tough economic times.

UK homeowners will increasingly look to green technologies to help them save big money when it comes to household energy and new homes right now are the best possible way to ensure you get the maximum out of your thermostat!

By AnneMarie Britton Sales Director Miller Homes Scotland East