Your first home should be the foundation that raises hopes and dreams, literally and figuratively. And, the type of home you buy will determine that to a great extent. There’s plenty more to a house than what meets the eye. The real test is in the bones than hold the exterior. Without quality construction, a solid foundation, and a sturdy roof, there’s very little you can do to make your home beautiful. New builds are better for first-time buyers on many considerations, and we want to show you why we are unequivocal about this.
What is a new build?
New build properties are brand new, with no previous owners. They have not been lived in before. Unlike old builds or existing builds, they are made for the present lifestyle. Some new properties are advertised as new builds, but they have been lived in, so they are not technically new builds. Usually, new builds are sold by a construction company that also builds them. Building new homes is essential to enabling access to affordable housing. The Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) says that without an ambitious building programme over the lifetime of the next Scottish Parliament, people will have difficulty accessing affordable homes in Scotland.
New builds vs. Existing builds
One of the biggest appeals of an existing home is period architecture. Most love their character. However, new builds have better interior layouts. With an existing property comes an existing community that has been there for generations. Everybody knows each other, and there is mutual trust and community spirit. But, sometimes, due to this very reason, it might become difficult for an outsider to the community to establish friendly ties. New build communities come together at the same time, and you do not become a stranger.
Benefits of new builds
Energy efficiency
Modern homes are built to be energy-efficient. From double glazing to heat pumps, newer technology reduces energy bills considerably, over £600 a year. New builds are also built to the latest building regulations, making them safer, healthier, and more stable.
No moving-in chain
As there are no previous owners, when buying a new build, you are not part of a moving chain. As a first-time buyer, without an existing home, you will not have a property to sell. You can move in as soon as building work is complete. It removes the uncertainty and stress associated with the chain collapsing.
A property chain is a sequence of buyers and vendors linked to one another by the buying and selling of property from one of the others. There are many links in the chain, and each link is a buyer or seller with an estate agent, solicitor, surveyor, and mortgage lender. Due to the dependent nature of these links, sometimes the chain collapses when one party fails to complete the next phase.
Fewer maintenance costs
A fresh coat of paint doesn’t do the trick if the walls are crumbly and new tiles can only hide rotten rafters for so long. Renovating an old build requires a lot more than what you bargained for. Even if the home has been well maintained, sometimes the integral components like the roof, windows, doors, floor, and fittings have had their heyday a long time ago. There’s a chance you could be spending the next five years after moving, replacing everything as you discover their faults or age-related requirements. New builds are different; you get to start off with a brand new house, giving you the full lifespan of the structural components. Builders also offer their own warranties and NHBC warranties, offering accountability older properties cannot provide.
More accustomed to modern life
Unlike a period property, which takes inspiration from lifestyle and needs centuries old, a new build home is relevant to modern times. These houses are well-lit, ventilated, well-insulated, and incorporate open-plan designs. En suite bathrooms, bi-fold doors, double-glazing, LED lighting, fitted wardrobes, central heating, glazed internal doors, and garages are all contemporary elements.
As a first-timer, you have several incentives to buy a home. An existing property can prove to be a risk if you don’t spot the snags in time. So, why take that risk? Get assured quality, convenience, and security of a new build by GS Brown Construction.
