The energy efficiency of new homes is becoming an increasingly important consideration for potential buyers, it has been suggested.
According to the National Insulation Association (NIA), rising energy prices mean people are paying more attention to the additional costs of owning a home.
Gas and electricity bills are one of these costs and buyers are increasingly taking this into account when looking at homes for sale, the organisation claims.
Commenting, Neil Marshall, chief executive of the NIA, said: "With the rise in fuel prices, more and more consumers are paying extra attention to the associated costs of a new home."
And he said the introduction of Energy Performance Certificates in Home Information Packs is allowing potential buyers to determine which properties are likely to have lower bills.
Homes will be more desirable in today's challenging market if they have a good energy performance rating, he suggested.
According to the Energy Saving Trust, up to 15 per cent of total heating costs are lost through the roof of a home without insulation and 20 per cent are lost through poor ventilation and draughts.
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