Energy efficient homes could help to generate annual savings of around 55 per cent when it comes to gas and electricity spending, it has been claimed.

This is according to the NHBC Foundation and Zero Carbon Hub, which also claimed that houses built from 2016 could be 79 per cent cheaper to operate.

When comparing the suggested energy consumption of today's upgraded homes against new properties that adhere to 2010 requirements, the group found that annual savings of £1,312 would be made for 4-bed detached new homes.

Neil Jefferson, director at NHBC Foundation and chief executive of the Zero Carbon Hub, said: "Household energy usage is still one of the biggest contributors to carbon emissions in the UK but the design of new homes means they are much more energy efficient than older housing stock."

This study comes after E.ON research found that UK renters are missing out on annual savings of over £990 million because their properties do not feature basic energy saving measures such as insulation.