For Steve, who previously owned a 1930s semi-detached house, buying a new build wasn’t really part of the family’s original plan. “I never thought that we would move again,” Steve explains. “We loved our property, but having worked in the industry for quite some time, it was difficult to overlook all the benefits that come with owning a new build — especially when looking at energy consumption. The other draw was that we got to work with a blank canvas. This meant that we were able to choose our own floors, tiles in the bathroom, kitchen units and could even have a choice of whether we wanted to have the garden done in a way that worked for us.”
What’s more, with a variety of options to choose from in terms of developers, development sites and house sizes and styles, there are many options available to suit different needs and wants.
What is the buying new process like?
The process of buying a newly built property can be both exciting and challenging, as illustrated by Karen and Steve's experiences. Karen, with her background in selling new builds, was familiar with the process and had a clear expectation of what it entailed. However, a delay in completion caused some tension as her mortgage had to be renewed. This was particularly stressful for her due to her commission-based job, which added a level of uncertainty to the mortgage renewal process. However, buying a new build meant that she had the added benefit of having the advice of the developer’s sales team, who helped her secure her home at every step of the way.
On the other hand, Steve found the home-buying process enjoyable and straightforward, particularly because there were plenty of plots available when he was searching. His main challenge arose with the build completion. Steve and his partner chose a plot that required several more months to be ready which, to a certain extent, placed them in a property chain with the developer. Any delays from the developer side inevitably delayed their house sale as well. Despite this, they enjoyed the process and, particularly enjoyed, the pre-completion tour of the property in which they could ensure that everything met their specifications and could request any additional changes.
Now settled into their new home, they recently had their first developer visit to address any issues or additional requirements, which were covered as part of the developer’s package.
What are the greatest benefits of buying new?
Flexibility and incentives: Developers recognise the importance of flexibility and often provide a range of incentives to buyers. These may include upgraded property packages, cash incentives, or even covering stamp duty costs. For example, Karen benefited from an upgraded package that included essential white goods, which was particularly beneficial as a first-time buyer without prior appliance ownership.
Personalisation and quality: New builds offer a unique opportunity to personalise your home. Although Karen works in the industry, she was still surprised at the level of detail she could go to in terms of the electrics and deciding the amount of and location of plug sockets and switches. From choosing your own floors and kitchen units, to deciding on the layout of your garden, buyers like Steve have found that new builds allow for a level of customisation. This turns a house into a home that perfectly suits their needs.
He further explains: “I bought my first property in the 90s, which actually was a new build too. After moving into our next property, which wasn’t a new build, we never thought we’d move again and never thought we’d be buying a new build again. But once we started our research into moving and buying again, we realised that a lot of the prejudices we had didn’t hold up anymore. Coming from a beautiful 1930s semi-detached house with lots of character, we didn’t want to have a home that looks the same as all others in the neighbourhood. And, much to our surprise, when we viewed new builds, they all varied from site to site and in terms of features offered by developers.”
Furthermore, quality is a cornerstone of new build properties. Misconceptions about new builds being of lower quality are dispelled by the stringent requirements for completion and the reassurance of a 10-year NHBC (National House Building Council) warranty, ensuring that your investment is protected.
Energy efficiency and cost savings: Energy efficiency is another compelling reason to consider a new build. Steve, who has experience in the property industry, highlights the significant energy savings that new builds offer, which can lead to lower utility bills and a more sustainable lifestyle.
In addition to the savings experienced whilst living in a newly built property, Steve explains that if they would not have been able to find the same kind of quality of property if it was on the second-hand market.
What are some common misconceptions about new builds?
