Energy saving matters more than ever for Lancaster and Morecambe homes

Energy bills are still one of the biggest pressures on household budgets, and it is something I talk about more and more with buyers and homeowners across Lancaster and Morecambe.

We all tend to focus on the headline price of a home, the mortgage, the deposit, the monthly repayments and whether the location works for us. But the running costs of a property matter too. In fact, they can make a real difference to how affordable a home feels once you are actually living in it.

This is where energy efficiency comes in.

New-build homes are, by design, much more energy efficient than most older properties. Nearly all new builds now carry an EPC rating of A or B, while fewer than 5% of older homes reach the same standard. That is a big gap, especially in areas like Lancaster and Morecambe where we have such a wide mix of housing.

We have Victorian terraces, 1930s semis, post-war homes, bungalows, modern apartments and newer developments. Each type of home has its own character, but it also has its own energy story.

The figures are quite eye-opening. New-build homeowners spend around £420 less on energy each year compared with those living in older properties rated EPC D. That makes them roughly 27% cheaper to run. Compared with the least efficient homes, rated EPC F or G, the saving rises to around £618 a year, or 39%.

That is not loose change. That is money which could go towards the food shop, family days out, savings, home improvements or simply easing the pressure each month.

Of course, not everyone wants a new build. Many people love the space, character and location of older homes, especially in established parts of Lancaster, Bare, Torrisholme, Heysham and Morecambe. I completely understand that. Older homes often have bigger rooms, thicker walls, high ceilings and lovely period features.

But if you do live in an older home, there are practical steps that can make a difference. Loft insulation is often one of the quickest wins and can save up to £390 a year. Cavity wall insulation can save up to £420. Improvements like these may also help move your EPC rating up a band, which is becoming increasingly important to buyers.

I have seen the difference at home myself. We have added solar panels along with batteries, and it really does help with our energy usage. It is not just about saving money, although that matters. It also gives you more control, and there is something reassuring about knowing your home is working harder for you.

For Lancaster and Morecambe homeowners, energy efficiency is no longer just a nice extra. It is becoming part of how buyers judge value. A warm, efficient home is easier to live in, cheaper to run and, increasingly, more attractive when it comes to selling.