No Energy Bills?! First Zero Bills homes for sale in Wales

• Octopus and Wates deliver the first four Zero Bills homes for sale in Cardiff
• Buyers to enjoy zero home energy bills for 10 years guaranteed
• Comes as Welsh Government launches consultation to make solar panels and low-carbon heating systems standard in new builds

Cardiff, 2nd October 2025 – The first four energy bill-free homes for sale in Wales are now on the market.

Delivered by Octopus Energy and Wates Residential, these homes will have no home energy bills for 10 years guaranteed thanks to Octopus Energy’s world-first smart tariff, Zero Bills.

Launched in 2022, Octopus’ Zero Bills tariff lets customers move into homes packed with cutting-edge green tech – including a heat pump, a battery and solar panels – with no home energy bills for up to 10 years*.

The four homes at Willowbrook North, Cardiff, are part of the Cardiff Living programme, a long-standing partnership between Wates Residential and Cardiff Council that delivers sustainable, energy-efficient housing to fight local fuel poverty.

It comes as the Welsh Government launches a new consultation to boost home energy efficiency by making solar panels and low-carbon heating systems, like heat pumps, standard in all new homes – driving Wales toward greener, more sustainable housing.

Octopus Energy aims to deliver 100,000 Zero Bills homes by 2030, and has already rolled out the initiative in Germany and New Zealand, as well as many sites across England.

So far, it has approved Zero Bills eligibility for over 5,000 homes through partnerships with leading developers, covering affordable and private rent, plus private and shared ownership properties.

Nigel Banks, Zero Bills Director at Octopus Energy, said: “With Zero Bills we’re proving that it’s possible to live comfortably and sustainably without ever worrying about energy bills.

“We want Zero Bills homes to be the norm everywhere, and delivering these homes with Wates is an exciting next step on that journey. Together, we’re setting the standard for sustainable homes across Wales, while helping families slash their bills.”

Edward Rees, Regional Managing Director at Wates Residential, said: “This partnership with Octopus Energy is a game-changer for homeowners. As rising energy costs remain a concern for many, our Zero Bills homes offer certainty about bills for residents and deliver a new standard in sustainable living.

“These homes are smart, efficient and future-ready – combining cutting-edge technology with thoughtful design to provide comfort, value and peace of mind. It’s a proud moment for Cardiff and a blueprint for what’s possible across the UK.”

Councillor Lynda Thorne, Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities at Cardiff Council, said: “Sustainability is at the heart of our housing development programme, and we are proud to see the Cardiff Living scheme delivering innovative solutions not just in our new council homes, but in private homes being delivered via our partnership too.

“Renewable technologies like solar panels and heat pumps in our new council properties help tackle fuel poverty and reduce carbon emissions, supporting our One Planet Cardiff vision for a net zero city and making sustainable living accessible to even more residents.

“This new Zero Bills energy development demonstrates how Cardiff Living is setting a new standard for energy-efficient homes in the city, ensuring that private homeowners can benefit from the very latest in sustainable design and technology too. It’s a great example of how collaboration and innovation can help us build a greener, fairer future for Cardiff.”

More information on Octopus' Zero Bills can be found here.

For more information on the site at Willowbrook North, please click here. The homes are due to be completed by the end of the year.

-ENDS-

Notes to editors:

*Please note that Octopus’ Zero Bills tariff guarantee does not include EV charging costs. EV charging is billed separately.

Rendering of Zero Bills home at the Wates Residential site

About Octopus Energy Group

Octopus Energy is a global clean energy and technology business, driving the affordable, green energy system of the future. Under its own retail brand, Octopus delivers world-class customer service and cutting-edge energy products to almost 10 million households globally.

The company is driving the electrification of heat and transport through smart tariffs and innovative clean tech, with operations spanning 27 countries and the entire energy value chain. It operates a £7 billion renewables portfolio as well as thriving EV leasing, heat pump, and solar businesses.

Backed by pension funds, investors and energy giants, Octopus Energy Group businesses deliver cheaper, greener energy and cutting-edge tech to countries and customers worldwide.

For more information, check out our website.

About Wates Residential

Wates Residential is a leading housing developer and contractor, specialising in urban regeneration across London, the South of England, and Wales. In 2024, the business generated £281.5m in turnover and secured a forward order book of £2bn. With a team of over 380 people, Wates Residential partners with local authorities, housing associations, and strategic investment partners to deliver high-quality, affordable homes and thriving communities.

About Cardiff Living

Cardiff Living is an award-winning development partnership between Wates Residential and Cardiff Council. The programme will deliver 1,700 new homes across 40 sites in Cardiff over a 10-year period.

At least 40% (around 680) of the 1,700 total homes will be council homes, available for rent through the Council’s existing allocations process, with a small number being made available to first time buyers through the Council’s low cost home ownership scheme.

The remaining 60% (around 1020) homes will be available for purchase on the open market under the Cardiff Living brand. All properties will meet high levels of sustainability and energy efficiency, ensuring that we help tackle fuel poverty.