Ofgem has officially announced that the energy price cap will increase by 4% from the 1st October 2026. Based on average household energy consumption, annual energy bills are expected to rise from £1,663 to £1,723, an increase of £60 and the highest level seen in the past three years.
The latest increase has been largely driven by higher wholesale gas prices, with ongoing conflict in the Middle East continuing to create volatility across global energy markets.
Gas accounts for the majority of October’s increase, with gas bills under the price cap expected to rise by around 8%. Meanwhile, Ofgem has indicated that electricity costs will remain relatively stable, supported by the temporary removal of VAT on domestic electricity bills.
With household energy bills continuing to rise, many buyers are looking for ways to improve energy efficiency and reduce their monthly outgoings. This is where a new build home can make a real difference.
The New Build Effect
Built to modern standards and designed with energy efficiency in mind, new build homes offer a smarter, more sustainable way of living. With advanced construction techniques, improved insulation and energy-saving features integrated throughout, they use significantly less energy than many older properties. The result is lower energy bills, reduced carbon emissions and a comfortable home that supports healthier living while helping to protect homeowners from rising energy costs.
The House Builder Federation’s 2026 ‘Watt a Save’ report and Government Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) registration data highlight the impressive benefit of new builds:
- 87% of new build homes have an A or B EPC rating, highlighting their energy efficiency
- On average, a new build home uses 30% less energy than older homes
- New build homes emit 50% less carbon emissions than older homes every year
- The average new build costs £1,574 a year to power compared to £1,995 for an older home
The Foreman Homes Effect
At Foreman Homes, many of our properties achieve high EPC ratings and include a range of energy-saving features as standard. These include double-glazed windows and doors to help minimise heat loss, low-energy lighting throughout the home, and solar PV panels that generate renewable electricity from sunlight.
Selected plots also benefit from Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) systems, which are designed to improve indoor air quality while retaining heat that would otherwise be lost. Together, these features can help homeowners enjoy a more comfortable home and lower running costs throughout the year.
As energy bills continue to climb, the benefits of choosing a new build home have never been clearer. Foreman Homes are designed to help homeowners use less energy and reduce monthly outgoings. When you choose a Foreman Homes property, you’re not just buying a beautifully crafted home; you’re investing in a more energy-efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable future.
