Buy new to save thousands

New South Wales topped the states for annual savings with a decrease in costs of almost 80 per cent ($2,197) recorded.

Western Australia and Victoria (Melbourne) also had stand out savings of $1,748 and $1,574 respectively. North Queensland (Townsville) and South East Queensland also reported significant decreases in standard costs, at $1,171 and $1,074.

"The figures show that across the country, new homes clearly offer lower ongoing

running costs, when compared to homes from 30 years ago," said Stockland Sustainable Communities general manager Ben Allen.

The statistics were based on 2011-built three and four-bedroom properties with two-bathrooms and a double garage and compared with those built in 1981. The properties that were compared had the same configurations.

The biggest savings were found in heating and cooling costs, through the use of natural light and energy efficient appliances.

"Building methods, performance measures and consumers behaviours have changed dramatically in 30 years, so we'd expect to see some major cost savings,” said Mr Allen.

Star ratings for different appliances and performances were found to be broadly responsible.

"Nevertheless, it is quite staggering when you compare the two generations of homes and see what a real difference a new home can make.”

A study of the Energy Efficiency Rating (EER) in the ACT by the Australian Bureau of Statistics revealed that each time a property improves its EER by one star, out of a potential total of six, it will increase in market value by four per cent.