There is no shortage of demand for new houses in the UK. These upgraded properties are a key part of the government’s drive to reduce the nation’s carbon footprint and to keep up with the country’s ever-expanding population.
First-time buyers trying to choose between an older property and a new build home will find that there are many advantages to purchasing the latter. Discover how new builds are geared towards first-time buyers.
Useful location
Housing developers tend to purchase land in useful locations. This could be close to great public transport links, within striking distance of good schools, or just a short walk from essential shops.
This means that buying a new build home in your area is almost guaranteed to give you one or more major benefits in terms of your location.
Cost-effective living
New build homes also offer cost-effective living, especially when compared to older properties. This is because new houses are constructed to be more energy efficient than the UK’s leaky existing housing stock.
Improvements include better insulation in the walls and roof, low-usage LED lightbulbs, upgraded appliances such as induction hobs rather than gas cookers.
Focus on sustainability
The focus on sustainability with new houses is a key component of the UK government’s drive to hit net zero by 2050. It has the additional advantage of making new builds extra appealing to the eco-minded younger generations.
The major way that new builds are going to be more green than older properties is the departure from traditional gas boilers to heating systems powered by renewable energy.
Stress-free warranty
Another benefit of buying a new build home is that the property is likely under warranty for the first ten years. This means that the homeowner is protected from the cost of any building defects that may emerge during this period.
This financial protection is an advantage for any buyer but is particularly appealing to a first-time homeowner with no experience of property maintenance and repair.
Emphasis on safety
New housing developers also place an emphasis on safety that makes their properties attractive to those starting out on their own or new families with young children.
As well as creating a cohesive community feel within the development, sometimes including extra safety measures such as a neighbourhood watch scheme, the houses themselves are very safe.
Quality locks secure the windows and doors, your brand-new appliances are at peak performance, and there should be no danger of dodgy electrical wiring.
Financial incentives
Lastly, there are often a number of financial incentives attached to buying a new home. A prime example of this is the now-ended government ‘Help to Buy’ scheme. The developers themselves often offer incentives of their own including free fixture fittings and price discounts.
All of these combine to make a new house a more cost-effective purchase than an existing property.