FTB wanting to have basic idea of average bills-can you help?

Competsoph

Hi everyone,

I am a first time buyer hoping to be purchasing soon. I am trying to get an average regarding bills including energy, water etc. General running costs of a house as I currently privately rent and bills are included. 

I am hoping to purchase a 3 bed, detached but slightly smaller house with double glazing and an energy rating of category D.
To add context, there are two of us, full time workers, one out Monday to Friday all day and the other shift worker so in for some time during the week and evenings. We will use washing machine perhaps twice weekly, maybe an economical dryer at the same frequency. I like the house warm but heating will be used once in AM and once in PM. I love candles and often sit in candlelight as opposed to lamps etc.

i understand that the figures given will be very average but this will help me with understanding my finances and budgeting. (I don’t need to budget strictly as have enough to cover it all however I like to know what to expect!) 

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts! TIA 😀😀

JJ_Egan

It will be a very rough guide as their is no such thing as average user.

Water  are you on a meter if not it will be RV billed.

https://www.ukpower.co.uk/home_energy/average-household-gas-and-electricity-usage

New Build ??

Check broadband services / cost

Candles make sure you have Fire Brigade on speed dial .

Gerry1

Make sure it has gas central heating (or at least has gas), otherwise don't buy.  Allow perhaps £1000 - £1100 p.a. for energy.  Get a gas tumble dryer (do the sums, 11p - 15p/kWh for electricity, less than 3p for gas).  Make sure you take opening meter readings yourself and register with the existing energy suppliers the day you complete, then do a whole of the market comparison starting with Citizens Advice and 'Switch with Which?'.  Separate energy suppliers may be cheaper.  Always think in kWh and annual costs, and make sure that you provide monthly meter readings.

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/utilities/lower-energy-direct-debits/#whatyoupay

RelievedSheff

We live in a 3 bed detached (new build EPC with the two of us normally out at work every day 7am to 6pm and sound to have a very similar arrangement to yourselves with regards appliances and time in and out of the house. Our monthly gas and electric bill is £50 per month but our house is super insulated and all of our appliances are energy efficient. 

I would allow more than this, perhaps £75 per month as a starting figure and see where you go from there.

Talldave

Don't forget water.  With just two of you you'll probably want to be on a water meter. But the bill can still be several hundred pounds a year.

Gas & electric, I would agree with @Gerry1 around the £100 a month level, but the biggest variation comes from shopping around. Don't sign up for the first dual-fuel deal from a big 6 supplier you see.  Check out the smaller suppliers for separate fuels.

RelievedSheff

Water charges will vary depending on your supplier but I would say definitely get a water meter for two of you. We are in the Severn Trent area and pay £16 per month for the two of us in a 3 bed detached on a water meter.

Robin9

Don't forget your buildings and contents insurances.

parcival

We live in a modern 4 storey town house and pay £76 per month for gas and electricity. We are retired but out and about so it's not on all day in winter. We are lucky that we are away about 15 weeks of the year (maybe not anymore....) mainly in the winter when the heating is only on for a couple of hours a day. water is on a meter and about £220 per annum...

Competsoph

Thanks to all for comments, I’ve been reading a lot on the energy page! Feel a bit more confident and hoping to be able to view this week! Thanks again, stay safe!