How a new build home could save you £70,000 in hidden costs

For many homebuyers, the appeal of an older home can be hard to resist - but behind the charm often lies a costly reality.

Our latest analysis shows that buying a new build home could help you save an average of £70,000 in renovation and energy costs within just the first five years of ownership.

With the cost of living continuing to rise, it’s more important than ever to understand the true hidden costs when buying a house that needs renovating - and how a new build could offer a smarter, more affordable way to buy.

The renovation trap: New build vs old home costs

While most buyers know new builds are more energy efficient, few consider the renovation and repair costs that can potentially come with older properties.

Based on 2025 UK market rates from CheckATrade, MyJobQuote, GreenMatch, CarWow and BoilerGuide, the average cost of essential upgrades includes:

• Kitchen renovation: £11,500 for a mid-range full refit

• Bathroom refurbishment: £4,500 for a complete remodel

• Boiler replacement: £3,800 including installation

• Roof replacement: £7,000 for full roof renewal

• Installing triple glazed windows: £9,425 for a full house

• Complete house rewiring: £4,450 for a three-bedroom home

• Solar panels: £7,250 including installation

• Adding an EV charger: £2,000 (including installation)

• Improving insulation: £12,930 (combined cost of insulating cavity walls, floor and roof/loft)

• Damp/moisture treatment: £3,250 (depending on complexity)

When combined with redecoration, new flooring and electrical system upgrades, the total hidden costs of buying a house that needs updating could exceed £70,000 in the first few years alone.

The house that pays you back: Energy savings add further value

It’s not just renovation costs that can drain your budget. New build homes are designed to be energy efficient from day one, meaning lower bills and a smaller carbon footprint.

According to the Home Builders Federation (HBF), new build homeowners save an average of £980 per year on energy bills. Over five years, that’s almost £5,000 in additional savings.

These savings come from superior EPC ratings, high-spec insulation and low-carbon technologies such as A-rated boilers, solar panels and integrated EV charging points.

A smarter way to buy

Avant Homes Group Marketing Manager, Louise Lawrence Flynn, explains: “It’s common for buyers to set aside a small budget for decorating, only to potentially discover major underlying issues. The reality is that properties over 15 years old may require significant investment early on.

“Buying a new build property doesn’t just give you a practically designed, energy-efficient home - it also helps protect your finances and your future.

“When you combine the £70,000 'secret savings' with a comprehensive 10-year warranty, new homeowners can enjoy genuine peace of mind knowing they're protected from unexpected costs while keeping more money in their pockets from day one.”