The increased appetite for energy efficient homes with cost saving benefits is being cited as one of the main reasons for strong sales at a development of zero carbon homes near Frome.  

Honey Glade in Chapmanslade, by Newland Homes, is one of the company's first schemes of zero carbon homes. There is no gas supply or connection on-site. Instead, the homes use the latest renewable technologies for heat and power. The properties are highly insulated, with air source heat pumps and an extensive number of solar panels. As a result, all homes achieve an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of A, the highest possible, placing them in the top 2% of energy efficient homes in the UK. All properties have wiring for electric car charging.

Approximately 50% of the homes at Honey Glade have now been sold, and the developer considers this in part to be due to homeowners wanting to shield themselves from the uncertainty of rising energy bills. Newland Homes is holding a special open weekend on the 22nd and 23rd October to showcase the few remaining four-bedroom homes available to purchase at Honey Glade and to demonstrate the renewable technology in situ.

New research from Santander has found that would-be buyers now rate energy efficiency as one of the most desirable features of a home. While there was a trend during the Covid-19 pandemic for buyers to want a bigger garden or home office, energy efficiency is now cited as more attractive than these features as rising energy costs become a concern. The study surveyed more than 2,300 people. 

Marcus Evans, Sales and Marketing Director at Newland Homes, comments: "It is clear from our purchasers that people wish to reclaim some control over the rising cost of heating and powering their homes. Our zero carbon homes at Honey Glade will ensure significant energy savings when compared against the majority of existing UK homes, plus lower carbon emissions mean they are good for the environment too."

Honey Glade is a collection of two and three bedroom bungalows, and three and four bedroom zero carbon homes, in the village of Chapmanslade, near Frome.  There will be a new play area set within a large area of public open space at Honey Glade and several features have been introduced within the development to encourage wildlife and biodiversity, with new anniversary woodland and a wildflower meadow to create habitats for a wide range of species, including bees. 

Bird boxes will be provided for birds such as blue tits and sparrows, along with bat boxes. Two log piles will provide a daytime shelter for amphibians, and hedgehog highways will create thoroughfares to enable hedgehogs to roam freely.  

To book an appointment to see the homes call 01373 476766. Prices start from £349,000.