Northstowe’s low carbon homes prove a draw as energy prices soar

Concerns about rising energy prices are encouraging even more people to move to the eco-friendly Cambridgeshire new town of Northstowe, according to a leading housebuilder at the site.

Vistry Group, which includes the Linden Homes and Bovis Homes brands, has seen a surge in enquiries at its developments from buyers keen to benefit from the low carbon lifestyle available at Northstowe.

Government figures show that homeowners currently living in a Victorian property would save an average of £1,438 a year on their energy bills by upgrading to one of the ultra-modern energy efficient homes at Linden Homes’ The Boulevards.

Hannah Dorner, senior sales manager at Vistry East Midlands, said: “Due to modern construction methods, new-build homes are typically more energy efficient than older properties, but at Northstowe, our homes are even greener.

“These highly insulated and draught-proof properties come with modern heating systems and high-performance glazing, resulting in carbon dioxide emissions that are, on average, up to 20 per cent lower than other new-build properties of a similar size.

“Figures also show that the homes at The Boulevards are producing nearly seven times less carbon dioxide emissions than their comparative Victorian counterparts.”

The SAP (Standard Assessment Procedure) ratings, which were brought in by the Government to assess and compare the energy and environmental performance of new-build properties, has calculated that the average predicted yearly energy bill would be an estimated £350.63 for a three-bedroom Elliot home at The Boulevards, whereas the same bill for a three-bedroom Victorian property would be an estimated £1,789.23.

Hannah said: “With gas and electricity prices soaring over recent months the appeal of living in a modern, low-carbon home has never been greater.

“While Northstowe’s green credentials already make it a popular location for housebuyers in Cambridgeshire, we have seen an increase in demand at our developments from buyers keen to prioritise energy efficiency in the face of ever-rising bills.”

For more information about Bovis Homes and Linden Homes properties at Northstowe, visit bovishomes.co.uk or lindenhomes.co.uk/eastmidlands.