<p>Housebuilders are confident new homes will outperform the existing stock when compulsory energy performance certificates are introduced next June.</p> <p>The certificates will form part of the home information pack (HIP) that all vendors will have to provide from June 1 2007. John Slaughter, HBF director of external affairs, said: “It ought to be something that shows new homes in a good light as it should show they perform better. Under the latest revisions made to Building Regulations, new homes will be 40% more energy efficient than those built five years ago.”</p> <p>Homes will be given a rating from A to G, with “A” being the best. They will show the energy efficiency of a home and its carbon footprint. Housing minister Yvette Cooper said: “Given the growing challenge from climate change and rising energy costs, I think people should be entitled to this kind of information about the home they buy.”</p> <p>But Miles Keeping, partner at property consultants King Sturge, said energy efficiency would not be at the top of buyers’ priority lists. “It will have minimal effect on the number and value of sales. At the top end of the market prices will be driven by location issues.”</p>