MOVING to an energy-efficient new home this winter cut could halve your energy bills, says housebuilder Barratt Homes Manchester.

The company, which has two new developments in Lancaster, says new-build properties are proven to keep people warmer.

A recent report by the Home Builders Federation shows that new-build home owners save £629 a year, spending on average £443 on heating, hot water and lighting. By comparison, the owner of an older home can expert to spend £1,072 on their energy bills.

Barratt Homes says it uses features such as:

- insulated roofs, airtight doors and double glazing to keep out draughts

- external cavity walls which incorporate heat-reflecting technology

- and boilers fitted with low-heat-loss water cylinders.

Michaela Lancaster, sales director at Barratt Homes Manchester, said: “Our new homes are significantly more energy-efficient than older properties so not only does this save our customers hundreds of pounds a year in energy bills, there are huge benefits for the environment."

To find out more about the new homes at Quernmore Park and Riverside View in Lancaster, visit www.barratthomes.co.uk