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New builds are becoming increasingly popular among first-time buyers, growing families, and downsizers alike.
If you’re keen to move and are weighing up whether a new build would be the right choice for you – we’re here to help.
We’ve put together four reasons why you should consider a new build home to help you make your decision.
1. Energy Efficiency
One huge benefit of living in a new build house is energy efficiency. Despite higher upfront finances, homeowners will enjoy lower running cost new homes with the help of modern amenities and energy-efficient features that keep the heat in and save you money on gas and electricity bills.
In fact, according to the Home Builders Federation, new research “has found that buyers of a new build house will save on average around £2,600 a year in energy bills”.
Plus, new homes emit “a third of the carbon of an older property, reducing carbon emissions by over 500,000 tonnes”.
Homeowners will enjoy houses that include:
- Double or triple-glazed windows with low-emissivity coatings: In order to minimise heat loss during colder months whilst limiting heat retention during hotter periods.
- High-efficiency HVAC system: Heating, air conditioning, and ventilation systems that require less energy to reach and maintain comfortable indoor temperatures. Such systems can also be optimised through programmable thermostats for effective energy use.
- Energy-efficient LED lightbulbs: LEDs use significantly less amounts of energy than traditional incandescent bulbs as well as having a longer lifespan, reducing the frequency of bulb replacements.
- Air sealing and air-tight construction to reduce drafts and heat loss: New homes are now constructed with a focus on air sealing in order to prevent air escape through gaps in the building envelope with the intention of enhancing the home’s energy efficiency.
- Smart home technology: Integrated smart-home technology that enables homeowners to effectively manage their energy usage via smart thermostats, adjustable lighting controls and smart energy monitoring systems.
2. Customisation Options
When purchasing a new build, you can usually choose the fixtures and fittings you’d like throughout the house.
For instance, you may be able to pick the cupboards and countertops, kitchen appliances, bathroom tiles, flooring, and more.
Being able to design a house completely to your taste is a huge be
benefit for many house buyers – who want to avoid the time and cost spent renovating an older home to suit their style.
Housing developers often provide a complimentary budget for prospective homeowners to customise elements such as:
- Finishes and fixtures including flooring materials, countertops, cabinetry styles, faucets, lighting fixtures, and paint colours.
- Pre-fitted appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers, and HVAC units.
- Exterior features such as siding materials and roofing.
3. Incentives and Schemes
There are often incentives available to those buying a new build home, to help make the process more efficient and affordable particularly for first-time buyers.
Common offers include:
- Financial incentives: Developers may offer discounted purchase prices or downpayments, assistance with closing costs or even complimentary budgets for upgrades or legal fees.
- Low or fixed interest rates: Often, developers partner with lenders in order to offer fixed-rate mortgages or low-interest rates.
- Rent-to-own programmes: Rent payments are credited toward the purchase price if the tenant decides to buy the property after a certain period.
- Part Exchange: Often an attractive option for current homeowners where developers can offer to buy your home and sell it for you to save from the stress of selling.
You may also be able to take advantage of shared ownership schemes which make it easier to get on the property ladder.
This usually involves you purchasing a share of the house in line with your budget and paying rent on the remaining amount.
There are plenty of other incentives too – so it’s worth checking these out before you buy to see if you could save some of your hard-earned cash.
4. New Home Warranties
New build homes come with a warranty which usually covers the house for ten years from the date you complete the purchase.
Typically, this includes a two-year defects period and a structural insurance period.
The warranty gives you peace of mind that you are covered should anything go wrong with the house.
For instance, the defects insurance offers cover for issues such as a shower that isn’t sealed properly or faulty pipes.
The structural insurance covers you for any structural issues with the house, like the roof, foundations, and ceilings.
On the other hand, if you were to buy an older home, you may have to fork out for any problems that arise.
There are many benefits to buying a new build home, including energy efficiency, customisation, financial incentives, and insurance. Do you think a new build is right for you?
