Energy efficiency is one of the most important factors for home buyers when considering a newly built home, a survey has shown.<br> <br>The YouGov survey, carried out for the New Homes and Marketing Board (NHMB), revealed that 41% of respondents had ticked the combined energy efficiency and high environmental standards box when asked what would matter most to them if they were buying a new build home. This makes green credentials the third most important element, put above the more traditional factors of a convenient location and general value for money.<br> <br>NHMB’s chairman David Pretty commented:“People now increasingly understand that almost all new homes are built to the latest mainstream environmental standards and are vastly more energy efficient, and therefore generally much cheaper to run, than second hand homes.”<br> <br>“We have been saying for some years that new homes are already ‘green’ homes. That message is getting through more strongly than ever.”<br> <br>The survey also revealed that the most important element of a new build home to home buyers was the provision of a garden or outside space – 53% of respondents agreed. The second most important feature, at 47%, was a garage or off-street parking.<br>