Did you know that the number of people moving into new-build homes is on the rise?
When you start your search for a new property it’s possible you’ve already got your dream home in mind, whether that’s a ground floor flat, or a character-filled cottage. Of course, this means that quite often, new build properties will be outside of the filters you have set for your search.
Buying a property is one of the biggest financial and personal decisions you will make in your life, as well as one of the most difficult, so it’s important that you find the right home that meets your personal needs. That being the case, it’s crucial you take all your current and future requirements into account when you start your search.
If you’re thinking of moving to reduce your outgoings or you want to find a property that doesn’t need maintenance or improvements, then a new build could be the ideal type of property for you to make your new home.
There are many advantages to a new build that will make your life much easier when you move in.
Low running costs – When constructed, new builds have to comply with the latest building regulations, everything from bathroom size to door construction and the width of hallways, as well as insulation and energy efficiency. The vast majority of new builds will have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) with a rating of A or B (much higher than the national average).
Ready to move in – A new home is a blank canvas, decorated with fresh tiling, new paintwork, a kitchen and bathroom that have never been used and this means that there will be very little, if any work, that you need to do when you move in. On moving day, you can simply unpack your belongings and start enjoying your new home.
Design a home – No, you can’t design every element, but if you buy a home off-plan (purchasing the home before the developer has finished building it), you may be able to have some input when it comes to elements of the design such as fittings, colours (within a set palette) and sometimes the layout itself.
Chain-free – Though you will have no control over the chain behind you (we can help to maintain this if you have a Home for Life Plan), there won’t be a chain of buyers above you in a new build. You will be the first owner of the property, which can take away a lot of the stress which goes with moving.
As we’ve already highlighted, there are many good reasons to look at a new build when searching for your next property. Probably the biggest advantage they have over homes built during the latter part of the 20th century is the fact that they have to be built to meet new building and environmental standards. This, on its own doesn’t sound like much until you take into account the fact that it means the overall monthly outgoings associated with a new build will be lower. Whether you’re thinking about the groaning heating bills during the winter, or the cost of running multiple fans during the warmer summer months, insulation and ventilation in a new build will make both of these less of a concern.
New builds are designed and constructed with a lot of practicality in mind, especially where running costs, and environmental efficiencies are concerned, this includes; lower water and electricity usage, more efficient heating systems and will often use recycled materials for things like wall and loft insulation. All of which will benefit anyone who moves in.
Ultimately, the type of property you choose and purchase, is down to personal preference. There are many reasons why you may decide to live in a charming Victorian terraced house, or a mock Tudor built in the 1890s. New builds have their own charm, and the fact that they are, to a large extent, a blank canvas gives you the chance to make it uniquely yours, safe in the knowledge that you will benefit from lower running costs, more efficient heating and a property that needs less, if any, maintenance.
Have you made the decision to move, and found your perfect property, but your budget doesn’t quite work? If you’re aged 60 or over, the Home for Life Plan from Homewise could be the solution that helps to make your property dreams come true.
If you have a limited budget and have found that market prices are a little too high, or you would like to ensure you have ample savings to go towards a more comfortable life after your move, Homewise could have the solution for you.
With the Home for Life Plan, you could secure your perfect home for up to 59% less than the market value.
To find out how much your current budget could be boosted by, or how much you could put aside for your future, try our quick online calculator.