Property buyers looking for their next home may be torn between choosing an older property, a brand-new development or even buying off-plan. Certainly, new-builds have been gaining popularity over the last years, and we’re here to tell you that there are many advantages to buying a brand new home.
Whether you’re a first-time buyer, a second stepper, an empty nester or even a last-time buyer, new-builds offer something for everyone.
At Land & Brand New Homes, we’re proud to offer a range of brand-new properties in various UK locations, and with over 30 years of experience in residential developments in southern England, we feel well-equipped to share our advice.
1 – Start living your life
A brand new home is ready for you to move in and start living your life. There’s nothing to renovate or repair – it’s all new! You may not have the time nor inclination to spend your precious leisure time refurbishing a second-hand home and, with a new home, you don’t have to.
If you’ve bought off-plan, you will have had a chance to decide on your new home’s specifications, colours and finishes beforehand, so the space is personalised and customised to your and your family’s tastes and requirements.
And, should there be any minor snagging issues, these can be fixed quickly, especially if the builders are still on site and readily available.
2 – Safe as houses
Today’s house builders are subject to a host of safety regulations that must be met, which is great news for you and your family’s protection. These include the use of fire-resistant materials along with hard-wired smoke alarms to ensure the occupants’ safety in case of a fire. There are also electrical precautions such as circuit breakers, and all doors and locks must comply with the British Standard Security Acts.
What’s more, many new homes also come fitted with an intruder alarm which will not only deter any would-be burglars but also decrease your home’s insurance premium.
One of the big attractions of buying a brand-new property is the peace of mind that comes with the warranty. Most new-build homes have a 10-year structural warranty from organisations such as the NHBC (National House Building Council) whose policies cover about 80% of the new-build market.
3 – Good for the planet
New residential developments are considered to be greener than ever before, and certainly more so than any of their predecessors. Modern heat conservation technologies include double glazing, wall and roof insulation and draught proofing as standard, while energy-efficient central heating boilers will keep the home’s CO2 emissions low.
To homeowners, this translates into warmer indoor environments and lower heating bills, which everyone loves!
Add to this advanced features such as dual-cistern toilet flushes and fitted showers that are designed to reduce water consumption, and today’s new homes have a smaller carbon footprint than second-hand houses, which benefits the householder as well as the environment.
4 – Affordable Financing
Discounts are often available for off-plan property purchases, which gives the developer guaranteed revenue for the homes being built. You can buy off-plan up to two years before completion, with the possibility of enjoying capital growth in the meantime. Once the construction has finished, the property price often goes up.
For those keen to get on the property ladder, the government’s Help to Buy scheme (due to end in 2023) is designed to support first-time buyers looking to purchase a new build. Available as an equity loan on houses up to £600,000 it means that the government effectively lends you up to 20% of the cost, so you only need a minimum 5% cash deposit and a 75% mortgage for the remainder.
It goes without saying that you should ensure you have a mortgage offer in place before you start looking for a property, even if you’re buying off-plan. Delays in the purchasing process are common and always inconvenient. Don’t be caught on the back foot because your mortgage offer is expiring before your purchase can complete.
If you are actively looking for a new-build home, it’s never too early to do your homework. Take a look around your preferred location and research builders and developers who are active in your area. Visit show homes and completed sites where possible, if only to give you a good understanding of the type of property available and to inform your thinking.
For professional advice on new-build homes, please get in touch with us at Land & Brand New Homes.