Is a New Build Home Right for You?

Is a New Build Home Right for You?

Buying a house is a significant commitment and one which often comes with seemingly endless options and considerations. From period terraced townhouses to brand new detached properties, the options are diverse and plentiful. Therefore, it’s essential to approach the process with careful consideration to ensure you make an informed decision that will benefit everybody living in the home.  

New build homes have risen in popularity, with an average of 1 in 10 house hunters currently opting for a new build property. New homes offer a set of advantages that may make them the perfect choice for some buyers. But, like any major decision in life, there are also potential downsides to consider depending on your taste and preference. 

In this article, we’ll explore the details of purchasing a new build home to help you decide if it’s the right choice for you.

BUYING OFF PLAN

Buying a property “off plan” means purchasing a property that is not yet built, based on selecting a property from architectural plans and the promise of future construction. The advantage of buying off plan in the early days of development often means they are more competitively priced compared to a completed property. If the property market is on an upward trend, buying off plan could also lead to capital appreciation before you even get the keys and move in.  

Buying in this way may also give you more time to arrange your finances and either sell your existing property, or secure a mortgage, or both. This can be particularly helpful for first-time buyers who are saving up for deposits, but equally families who have a home to sell before they can move into their new one. 

Depending on how far in advance you reserve your new home before it’s built, there may also be the option to allow for certain customisations, for example flooring, kitchen surfaces and hardware. If you value the ability to make interior and design choices, this can be an attractive feature.

A MODERN WAY TO LIVE 

Our new build homes are designed with modern living in mind, so they are perfect if you are seeking to own an easy-to-run, low maintenance property. They come equipped with the latest technology and energy-efficient features, as well as state-of-the-art appliances, smart home systems, and well-thought-out layouts that cater to the needs of contemporary families. If you’re someone who values modern amenities and clean aesthetics, a new build home might be very appealing.

Another popular advantage of a new build home is that it requires very minimal maintenance when you move in and during the early years. After all, everything is brand new, so you won’t need to worry about unexpected repairs or renovations. This can provide peace of mind if you want to avoid the stress, hassle and expense of fixing up an older property. 

One of the trade-offs of everything being new in a home is that if you appreciate the unique architectural details and history that come with an older home, it may not be as appealing to you. At the end of the day, it all comes down to taste and preference. 

SUSTAINABILITY & ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Newly built homes are designed with energy efficiency in mind. In fact, recent research reveals that new houses use 55% less energy and emit 60% less carbon than existing properties, making them both a sound idea financially and environmentally. 

Our newly built homes include features such as the latest solar roofing panels, double-glazed windows, high-quality insulation, and energy-efficient heating and cooling systems. These elements can lead to lower utility bills and a significant reduction in carbon footprint in comparison to older homes. 

BEING PART OF A COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENT 

When choosing a new build development, it’s important to consider the size of the site and number of houses within it to ensure you are well suited to the environment you will be moving into. Some people aren’t keen on the idea of moving into a huge site with hundreds of houses, often causing issues with traffic, noise and space, so there’s this to consider. We like to keep our Ward Homes developments to a comfortable size, for example, our Folly development features just 60 luxury homes, ensuring that each home has a generously sized plot without feeling overcrowded. 

Living in a new development alongside like minded individuals can often help to foster a sense of community and neighbourly interaction. This can be particularly appealing for families with young kids seeking friends to play with nearby and individuals seeking a close-knit atmosphere to help reduce the symptoms of loneliness and isolation. Being part of a community offers numerous benefits that can enhance your quality of life and wellbeing such as social support, friendships and a sense of belonging. 

PEACE OF MIND 

The warranties that come with buying a new home generally cover structural defects and major systems for a specified period. This means that if something goes wrong during that time, the developer is responsible for fixing it, reducing the financial burden for you. It’s important to understand the individual terms of the warranty for the house before purchasing, but this added protection can provide added peace of mind.

In conclusion, the decision to live in a new build home should align with your individual lifestyle preferences and priorities. Consider the benefits of modern amenities, energy efficiency, and a sense of community against your main priorities to see if they align, and remember to thoroughly research the specific community you’re interested in, visiting the area, and checking the individual specifications of the property you are interested in.