There are undeniably many factors to consider when buying a home. Location, price, size, outdoor space, distance to schools and other amenities are all part of the decision-making process.
Another big decision facing many home movers is choosing between period properties or new build homes.
Today, we are seeing more and more home buyers forgoing period charm and traditional features in favour of sleek, contemporary homes and there are plenty of reasons why.
Here’s our breakdown of some of the many advantages of investing in a new build property:
It’s brand new
Yes, the charming Victorian home with high ceilings and original fireplaces may ooze character, but rickety stairs, damp patches and peeling wallpaper can quickly take the shine off that perfect home glow.
A new build house is exactly that: brand new. No one has lived there previously so there’s no wear and tear to deal with when you move in, saving you money on maintenance and repairs.
All the appliances, furniture and carpets will be fresh out of the box too, meaning they are likely to last longer and be covered by a warranty.
Also, if you do find something isn’t up to your standards, you will likely be covered by a ‘snagging period’ allowing you to get any issues fixed.
Make it your own
Another benefit of purchasing a new build property is the fact that you can tailor the property to your taste (if you get in there early enough!).
Many developers will allow you to have a say in the design, and perhaps even the layout. From choosing your own kitchens and bathrooms to deciding on in-built wardrobes and plug socket locations, this will give you the freedom to spec the house out to suit your own preferences and style.
A blank canvas
This is one of the best aspects of owning a new home. With a new home, you won’t be inheriting the bizarre design choices or tacky wallpaper from the previous owners, leaving you to put your own stamp on things décor wise.
Modern living
How we live now has changed dramatically over time, and new build homes tend to cater to all the demands of modern family living.
Typically offering open-plan living space and multifunctional usage, new build homes usually also offer studies for working from home (especially handy in our post-Covid world), large en-suites and ample parking space, something older properties can’t always deliver.
The latest technology
Top-spec new builds include all the latest technology such as underfloor heating, with many including ‘smart home’ features, with heating, lighting and music all remotely controlled. Older properties are much more difficult to adapt to offer these benefits.
Safe and secure
You can rest easy in your new build as improved technology also means better security.
New build homes will have properly fitted locks, smoke alarms, circuit-breakers, fire-resistant materials and at the top end of the scale, sophisticated CCTV and video entry devices. All these measures not only keep you safer but can reduce your insurance premiums.
Energy efficient and environmentally conscious
New build homes have to comply with the latest building regulations and tend to be extremely energy efficient. This means they are not only significantly kinder to the environment, as superior insulation means a lighter carbon footprint, but also means your energy bills can be reduced by up to £500 a year.
In fact, more than 80% of new builds have an energy efficiency rating of A or B in their Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), compared to just 3% of existing homes.
They’re chain-free
One of the most stressful parts of moving home can be being caught up in a complex, lengthy chain.
Enter, the new build.
With new builds, you aren’t at the mercy of other buyers in the chain, removing a great deal of stress and uncertainty from your move journey. So, if you want to move into your next home without the prospect of frustrating delays, a new build home could be just the ticket!
Total peace of mind
Now it’s time to talk about that lovely new home warranty. The 10-year new home (NHBC) warranty protects buyers from the cost of any structural defects in the property, giving new home buyers total peace of mind should anything go wrong.
A helping hand
When it comes to buying a new build there are some fantastic financial investments to give a helping hand. Schemes such as Help-to-Buy and Shared Ownership are only available on the purchase of a new home. However, the Help to Buy scheme ends in 2023 so be sure to make the most of this opportunity if you can!
If you are considering a new build home, contact our friendly Land and New Homes team today or find out more about our latest developments here. Our property experts can help find the right home for you, no matter what your requirements.
