Energy Costs In The Deep Mid Winter
03 Jan 2014

The Office for National Statistics figures released in mid December won’t have added much to the glad tidings usually associated with the run up to Christmas: Their research concluded that current energy prices have helped to make housing the mostly costly part of the family budget.

Along with rent, (the cost of mortgages was not included in these figures) it was fuel, electricity and maintenance that have the most impact on household spending – overtaking even the cost of transport: The ONS estimates that UK households spend, on average, £68 a week on housing and £64 on transport.

The figures have led campaigners to once again criticise Britain’s ‘leaky’ housing stock.  Energy Bill Revolution, a group representing charities such as Age UK and Barnardo’s, has described the "woeful" levels of insulation seen in many of the UK’s older homes.

One of the very distinct (and clearly current) advantages of buying a brand new home is the fact that it has to be, by law, extremely energy efficient. Current building regulations mean new homes are six times more energy efficient than existing homes and produce over 60 per cent less CO2 emissions than older properties.

And although the cost of mortgages wasn’t included in the recent ONS housing expense figures, it’s worth considering that the Government’s new Help to Buy scheme now offers an opportunity for cheaper monthly mortgage costs too.

At Linden Homes’ Northfields development in Colchester - where many of the homes qualify for the Help to Buy Scheme - you can come and see for yourself how these award winning homes are created to comply with the strict energy saving regulations in place for all new build properties.

And if you decide to buy off plan – that is you reserve the plot before the house is built – you will be offered the opportunity to see your own home being built.

Roseanne Bullen, regional sales and marketing manager at Linden Homes Eastern commented: “The homes at Northfields are, of course, built to the very high standards and energy efficiency characteristic of all Linden Homes.

She continued: “Northfields is an innovative development that blends modern design with lots of green, open space and it’s really well located. Many of our customers love the fact that it is within walking distance of Colchester train station too.”

Currently there are still a few of the popular Parkland apartments available at Northfields. In 2014 Linden Homes is releasing a range of new Northfields’ homes too so there will be something to suit varying needs.

To find out more about Northfields, or for more information about Linden Homes, please call 0844 417 3904. Alternatively please visit the sales and marketing suite on site at Northfields. It is open every day from 10am to 5pm.

-ENDS-

For further information, contact Claire McCowan or Emma Cox at Remarkable Group on 01962 893893.

References to “we”, “us” or “our” are to the part of the Vistry Group (including Linden Homes, Bovis Homes, Countryside Homes, Drew Smith, Vistry Ventures or one of Vistry’s joint venture companies) from which you are intending to purchase a new home. References to "you” and “your” are to the prospective buyer or buyers of a new home from us.

All images are used for illustrative purposes only and are representative only. They may not be the same as the actual home you purchase and the specification may differ. Images may be of a slightly different model of home and may include optional upgrades and extras which involve additional cost. Individual features such as windows, brick, carpets, paint and other material colours may vary and also the specification of fittings may vary. Any furnishings and furniture are not included in any sale. Please check with our sales consultants for details of the exact specifications available at the development(s) for each type of home and the associated prices.