People are buying new builds due to the energy efficient nature of such properties, Knight Frank research shows.
As it stands one in five buyers favour a new build, with 60% citing energy efficiency as their number one reason.
Anna Ward, associate in Knight Frank’s research team, said: “Energy efficient new homes are on the rise, with the number of new homes awarded top EPC A grade hitting a record high in the second quarter of this year.
“We are now seeing an uptick in demand for these homes, with our survey showing the first notable shift in over three years.
“This trend has longer to run as more buyers are also taking note of future environmental regulations and planning ahead.”
There’s also been an increase in the number of people willing to make energy improvements themselves.
This has increased from a fifth two years’ ago to nearly 30% today, pointing to the rising convenience of new homes.
The appeal of new builds extends beyond energy efficiency. Buyers are attracted by the opportunity to have input into off-plan purchases and the absence of a seller chain.
Additionally, 25% cited future environmental regulations as a key consideration in their decision-making process, up from 20% two years ago.
Mark Evans, head of regional new home at Knight Frank, said: “The demand for new homes is clearly there, and we have seen an increase in the number of enquiries and sales in recent weeks in certain parts of the UK, particularly the South East and Central regions.
“Developers are needing to include as many energy efficient features as they can for the discerning buyer, who is looking at the long term to their choice of home and are looking to take advantage of these opportunities.”
