Choosing your family home is a significant life decision, and in addition to searching for the perfect location you need to consider the property itself. Is it in good condition? Does it have the space and fixtures you need? Will it be costly to maintain or do up?
Buying a brand-new house is any easy way to ensure essential considerations are covered. While they may lack character compared to older homes, these properties are affordable and are designed to meet the demands of modern life. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking to move into a more suitable space, new build homes in your area could be the best setting for your family’s future.
- Reduced running costs
Endless loads of washing, multiple devices running simultaneously, several daily showers: running a family household is expensive when it comes to energy. New build homes are designed to be more efficient when it comes to energy use with modern appliances, LED lightbulbs and more advanced heating systems. Insulation is also improved compared to older properties, helping to keep heat in so less energy is required to stay warm in winter.
Reducing your energy consumption will naturally have a knock-on effect on your utility bills, leading to significant savings over time. Many new homes have an EPC-rating of A or B whereas older properties can be categorised as G, and a better rating can even contribute towards a better mortgage offer.
The latest renewable energy technology such as solar panels and heat pumps is also becoming more common in new builds. These can help offset energy costs even further and drastically lower your carbon footprint, giving you peace of mind that you’re doing your bit for the planet.
- Customisable interiors
Moving into an older property means living with someone else’s decorating taste – even if only for a short time. In contrast, a new build home is a blank canvas that you can personalise from the outset, ensuring the kids get their favourite colour in the bedroom and all the fittings are child-friendly.
Many developers take this one step further, giving buyers the opportunity to customise the interiors before they move in. Whether it’s choosing the kitchen cupboards or selecting the flooring, this can make all the difference in making it feel like home from the off – and ensuring a happy and safe environment for raising a family.
If you’re buying off-plan, you may also have the option to change the layout of your home, giving you more control over how the space works for your family.
- Low maintenance
Every element of new build homes is brand-new so the likelihood of problems arising is low. This includes structural defects and common issues in older houses like damp. Even if issues do occur, you don’t need to worry about making repairs for the foreseeable future as everything will be under warranty for years.
This can provide peace of mind and gives you financial security, safeguarding you against the hassle and expense of constant repairs.
- Help-to-buy schemes
Many new builds are eligible for the government-backed First Homes scheme. Through this initiative, aimed at first-time buyers in England, you could buy a newly built home for up to 50% less than its market value. This is a huge benefit for families who are struggling to save.
Some developers also offer additional incentives such as covering legal fees or offering free upgrades. By taking advantage of these schemes, you can make buying a home more affordable without compromising on your family’s needs.
