MANCHESTER, England, August 1 /PRNewswire/ --

- With Photo

With significant rises in energy costs in the UK, homeowners are increasingly concerned about household energy use and the rising cost of living. Whilst capped energy deals offer a short-term solution, Countryside Properties says that new homes could ease the long-term burden, as research shows new homes offer considerable cost-saving advantages.

Recent estimates of energy costs in an average household have shot up from GBP600 to GBP1,000 per year*, putting the pressure on homeowners to reduce hefty utility bills. New build homes are 6.5 times** more energy efficient than homes built three decades ago, which is why environmentally-savvy consumers should turn to new build properties as a way of keeping costs down.

Hayley and Calvin Wilkinson moved to their new Countryside Properties home in Cheshire earlier this year and have already noticed significant energy savings. Hayley commented: "Before we moved to our new home, Calvin and I lived in a 1960s property and the difference between the two in terms of energy efficiency is amazing. Even with recent inflation, I know that we're making savings. We've certainly saved on gas and our electricity bills are also reduced."

Countryside Properties' homes come with energy and water saving features to enhance their economic efficiency. All homes have a gas condensing boiler which can be 15% more economical than a traditional boiler and energy efficient lighting uses 20% of the electricity of ordinary light bulbs. Dual flush toilets are installed, cutting water use by 16% on average, with further savings made by spray taps.

Countryside Properties subsidiary managing director, Ian Kelley commented: "At a time when we're all trying to watch how much energy we use, our homes are designed with the environment and home buyers' pockets in mind. By building properties that are energy efficient and use high quality architectural design, we can help buyers find their dream home whilst saving money - essential in such testing times."

Buying a new home can cut out excessive fees, as well as all the stress of a property chain. Countryside Properties also has offers and incentives such as Part Exchange that will cut out the chain altogether.

For more information on Countryside Properties homes visit http://www.countryside-properties.com or telephone +44(0)1277-26000 / +44(0)1925-248900.

*Figures from BBC News online 18.7.08

**Source: BRE

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