Have you ever thought of buying a new-build home? If reasons such as the internal walls are not being particularly well sound-proofed, or a faceless garden have put you off in the past, it's definitely worth thinking again.
If you already know some of the issues surrounding new-builds, it should make the job of deciding whether or not to buy one much easier. However, if you do take a second look, the decision may not be the one you expected. In an unsure economic world of today, there's one thing which rises head and shoulders above buying an older house: knowing exactly what you've bought.
In the UK, new builds generally have long warranties, giving the buyer a peace of mind. Along with strict regulations controlling sound insulation, energy efficiency, and structural integrity on the end of the home builders, the reduction in household bills, building issues and noise pollution are vastly reduced and less of a problem compared to even a few years ago.
Older houses like the Victorian style properties have obvious character appeal new-builds lack, but that hasn't always been the case as a BBC report suggests. Property popularity is cyclic by nature, and nowadays period homes are iconic fashion items once again commanding high purchase prices, and it's easy to see why. They're well proportioned, well tested, aesthetically pleasing and usually brick-built with good sized windows and rooms. This all adds up to a successful design. Conversely, being older, maintenance can be costly and repairs inevitable. With original features still in place, like sash windows, they're unfortunately expensive to run with poor insulation and energy efficiency.
Ideally for buyers who prefer the look of a Victorian property, but cannot afford the asking price, a combination of the two variables would be the next best thing. In fact it could be an advantage. The classic features of the Victorian home like a brick finish, large windows and angled roof lines, can easily be applied to a buyer's search criteria when looking for a suitable new-build. It might be a harder task finding something with a similar appearance, but not impossible. Once achieved, the benefits of a more economical, classically designed home will be realised. This will also mean that the home less likely to look outdated and therefore retain a good value in the future.
It is difficult to find the perfect home for everybody, and as illustrated earlier designs come and go out of fashion. People have their own preferences but sometimes cannot attain them. However, if a buyer sticks to the successful design principles proven over many years, and combines them with modern-day resourcefulness, the new-build stands a good chance of being a safe and sound investment for years to come and all at a reasonable cost.
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