A NEW release of homes in Ross-on-Wye has the benefit of offering improved energy efficiency and lower household bills.

Edenstone Group, the homebuilder helping to shape the new St Mary’s Garden Village in Ross have just released the new wave of family homes.

These new builds have all achieving the top rating for energy efficiency as all the houses now have increased roof and floor insulatation, plus the installation of solar panels.

Edenstone Group sales director Adele McCoy explained: “Homes built during the earlier phases of the garden village achieve a minimum Energy Performance Certificates of B, a standard few older properties meet.

“New building regulations mean that this latest phase of homes are even more efficient, achieving the highest EPC rating of A.

“Research from the Home Builders Federation suggests someone moving from an older house to one of these A rated new homes could save up to £2,579 on their annual energy bills.”

Across St Mary’s Garden Village, there’s a choice of two, three and four-bedroom homes available.

“Because our homes are so efficient they’re eligible to be purchased with ‘green mortgages’,” Ms McCoy added.

“Some lenders offer improved interest rates or cash back on green mortgages. In some cases, they’ll recognise that you’ll being paying less on energy bills and so will have more funds available towards your mortgage repayments and offer enhanced affordability.” 

The house builder has ambitions to bring zero net energy to all its developments by 2025. Edenstone  has already built and sold one ‘zero energy bills’ home at St Mary’s, the first of its kind in Herefordshire, under a partnership with Octopus Energy. 

Ms McCoy added: “The vision for St Mary’s Garden Village was a sustainable new neighbourhood where people love living and that’s certainly the case from feedback we’ve received from residents.

 “The allotments were quickly snapped up; children are having fun at the play area and people are enjoying the formal garden. A variety of groups are using the new community hub and gym, which is designed to generate more renewable energy than it consumes.

“Walking and fitness trails with equipment are also available, helping residents to lead an active lifestyle.”