Residents living in a new eco-friendly housing development in Coxheath, near Maidstone, have been finding their gas and electricity bills are significantly reduced.

New builds are always going to be more energy-efficient than draughty older houses, but the new generation of environmentally friendly homes are shaving even more off the cost of heating.

Malcolm Lowrey and Annette Lucas, who bought a new home at Crest Nicholson’s Avante development, in Coxheath, have found they have reduced spending on gas and electricity by around 25 per cent.

Malcolm said: “One of the reasons we were attracted to the Avante development was the potential to significantly cut our fuel bills and we have been very pleased with the results.

“I have calculated that our energy bills have dropped by over 25 per cent, which is a great saving.

“My calculations are based on our energy supplier’s estimates and I’m confident that our actual savings will be significantly more. Our house at Avante is warm and we hardly ever have to use the radiators.

“When we do, the property warms up quickly and the air circulation system means that the house retains that warmth for a long time. Not only are we saving money on our bills but we also live in a fantastic modern house, which we both really love.”

Avante is an innovative collection of 150 contemporary one and two bedroom apartments and two, three and four bedroom houses with the accent on sustainable living.

Crest Nicholson sales and marketing director Annette Cole said: “The credit crunch means that every penny really does count for homeowners. Those who have bought a newly built home have found that reduced energy bills can really be a help with stretched finances.

“I’m confident that more prospective house buyers will realise the many benefits of buying a newly built home.”

Properties at Avante incorporate a number of innovative eco-features, including low energy lighting throughout, that help reduce electricity consumption. The glazing in all of the homes has been minimised in the bedrooms and maximised in the living areas to let light flood in and reduce the loss of heat.

Other features include a central lantern roof light which allows a generous amount of daylight into all properties. This unique feature also provides natural ventilation and improves solar gain without compromising security.

For further information about Avante please contact the sales and marketing suite on 0870 755 9830 or visit www.crestnicholson.com. Prices start from £139,500 for a one-bedroom apartment.