Energy Efficiency - Build To Rent player claims its homes are superior

Build To Rent operator Sigma Capital Group Limited, which markets its homes under the private rental brand Simple Life, claims newer homes are more energy efficient than older ones. 

It commissioned a study to compare the energy consumption of four of its core properties against four other eras of homes. The findings revealed that current Simple Life homes are 25 per cent cheaper to run in comparison to properties built between 2007-2011, and as much as 74 per cent cheaper than older homes.

In August research by Nationwide reported the impact of the anticipated price cap increase on properties of differing efficiencies, with the best rated (A-C) seeing an annual rise of almost £1,000, and the worst rated (F/G) will rise by £2,700 per year.  

Prime Minister Liz Truss has since announced a price cap freeze of £2,500 per year, but details of how this will vary between households is yet to be confirmed – the unpredictable turbulence of the energy prices is of great worry to both the public and Government.

To support the findings of its study, Sigma conducted market research with renters to uncover attitudes towards sustainability in the home. 

It claims that some 74 per cent think it is important to factor in the energy efficiency of the property when looking for somewhere to rent, whilst 61 per cent think the specific features (insulation, glazed window, smart meters) being installed is important to consider. 

Overall, the focus group revealed that renters worried that sustainable living and utilising these features would come at a higher cost, rather than understanding the potential money-saving benefits.

Rob Sumner, residential investment director at Sigma, says: “No one is going to be immune to the soaring prices of energy this winter, so it was important for us to understand the comparative energy consumption of our homes. We chose to compare four of our homes to four different eras of homes, from those built in 1900 to those built in 2011 – we chose these four eras as they demonstrated a change in efficiency, which with the exception of the period properties was driven by homes which adhered to changing building regulations over time. 

“We are very pleased that the study revealed that the running costs were markedly in favour of our properties. Given the current upward movement in energy prices, we hope that our Simple Life residents can seek comfort in the data, knowing that their homes are operating at the most energy efficient level. 

"We intend to continue to work with our residents to educate them on sustainability in the home, to help them understand how to make the most of the energy efficiency features and reap the financial rewards in the longer term.”