8 gas-free homes that will keep your energy bills down

A change in the energy price cap from 1 October means that households who use electricity and gas and pay by direct debit will see bills rise by 10%. They will spend £12 per month more on average, bringing their outlay on energy to £1,717 per year.

Improving insulation and introducing other energy-saving measures will help to keep costs down, but as a long-term solution, moving to a super energy efficient, gas-free home will much better for your pocket and the planet. Start your search with this selection.

1. SO Resi Farnham, Farnham, Surrey, from £68,125 for a 25% share of £272,500

The natural living roof is a clue to the sustainability of this all-electric development, consisting of one- and two-bedroom shared ownership flats.

They’re aimed at first-time buyers, home movers and former home owners who can’t afford to fund 100% of an open market property via a deposit and monthly mortgage payments.

Instead they can buy a share and pay rent on the rest, with the opportunity to increase their stake at a later date. Central London’s an hour’s commute from the nearby station. Through SO Resi via Share to Buy.

2. Rowanbank Gardens, Corstorphine, Edinburgh, two-bedroom flats from £325,000

This new low-carbon scheme was crowned Apartment Development of the Year at the 2024 Scottish Homes Awards, and Residential Development of the Year at the 2024 RICS Awards.

It’s one of the first large developments in Scotland to fit individual air source heat pumps in all the one-, two- and three-bedroom homes, providing both heating and domestic hot water.

Energy costs are up to 60% less than other new builds in the surrounding area, with average annual hot water and heating bills for a two-bedroom apartment as low as £775, or less than £65 per month. By Artisan Real Estate — for more details visit Rowanbankgardens.com.

Read more: 10 inspiring homes with incredible kitchens

3. Catton, Hexham, Northumberland, £375,000

Dating from 1857, Rothley Cottage has recently been restored to an exceptionally high standard. Original features such as exposed timber beams and stonework blend with contemporary amenities like an air source heat pump.

Underfloor heating runs throughout the ground floor, comprising a sitting room with a woodburning stove in an inglenook fireplace, a Shaker-style kitchen, a utility and an open plan dining area.

Two double bedrooms and a bathroom occupy the first floor. Get in touch with Finest Properties.

4. Higher Ninnis, Busveal, Cornwall, £850,000

Sunset Barn is a recently completed four-bedroom eco home that comes with a detached three-bedroom single-storey annex, called Sunrise Barn and perfect for a dependent relative.

Each has photovoltaic solar panels with battery storage, an air source heat pump with underfloor heating and triple glazing, making running costs very low.

In addition, water is supplied via a bore hole and treatment plant serving both properties. Contact Strutt & Parker.

5. Wingfield, Wiltshire, £1.25m

Scandinavian-inspired Larch House sits amongst mature trees and was designed to blend into the natural environment.

The four bedrooms are spread over two floors, and it has three bathrooms, a spacious all-in-one kitchen and dining room, a utility and sitting room, and an air source heat pump.

Outside there’s a large terrace, a covered barbecue area and a timber-framed outbuilding containing a garage, workshop and log store. Via Fine & Country.

Read more: 10 sustainable properties to boost your eco-credentials

6. Catworth, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, £1.35m

Although this bright and airy barn-style home was only built in 2020, it’s recently been upgraded.

The 3,500 square feet of living space includes four bedrooms, three bathrooms, a fantastic reception hall with a galleried landing above, a sitting room and a full-width kitchen/breakfast/family area with a vaulted ceiling, and the grounds extend to almost an acre.

Solar panels have been integrated into the south-facing part of the roof and heating is from an air source heat pump. Through Peter Lane & Partners.

7. The Arc, Shoreditch, London EC1, £1.8m

There are incredible views from the terraces of this two-bedroom apartment, on the 17th floor of a 22-storey all-electric building boasting an array of eco certifications and facilities including a yoga studio, gym, treatment rooms, a golf simulator, cinema room and roof garden.

Inspired by Star Wars and New York’s Meatpacking District, this is the first UK project from international developer Ghelamco and was designed by Allford Hall Monaghan Harris, architects of the Saatchi Gallery.

Homes are A-rated for energy efficiency and fitted with air source heat pumps and advanced heating and cooling systems that minimise the spread of viruses and bacteria. Contact The Arc.

Read more: 8 amazing homes designed by esteemed architects

8. Putney, London SW18, £3m

A very cool four-bedroom detached single storey dwelling, built to the German Passivhaus Institute's EnerPHit retrofit standard with a mechanical ventilation heat recovery (MVHR) system and underfloor heating.

The front door opens into an inviting open-plan kitchen, dining and living area with a concrete floors, skylights and retractable glass doors that frame views of the secluded south-facing garden. Available from Knight Frank.

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