1. Built for modern living
History shows us that new build homes are always at the forefront of changes in domestic lifestyles. The introduction of double-glazing and fitted kitchens for example, began with their installation in new build homes before being adopted more widely by the owners of older properties.
Today, most of us prefer open-plan, multi-functional spaces where the kitchen is truly the hub of the home – a style you’ll find in many new build designs. Rapid improvements in technology to mean that today’s homes need to cope with us all using 5 to 10 times more appliances and gadgets than ever before – a new build home is built for this modern living.
2. A blank canvas
For many, a brand new home provides the perfect base for them to showcase their style and personality. No need to put up with anyone else’s taste or undo someone else’s DIY disasters! And, with all the essentials in place like double-glazing, central heating and fully fitted kitchens and bathrooms, it’s just the finishing touches that are required.
3. Smaller chain, easier conveyancing
You can move into a brand new home as soon as it’s completed. If you have a property to sell first, some builders offer part-exchange schemes or a sales service to help you complete the sale of your existing property. This means there’s far less potential for hassle and stress than when you’re buying a second-hand home and there’s a long chain of house sales and multiple parties involved. The Help to Buy scheme also makes it easier for some people to buy a new build home with only a 5% deposit.
4. The latest designs and specification
Designer kitchens and bathrooms fitted with the latest fixtures, fittings and energy efficient appliances usually come as standard with a new build property. The most up-to-date energy efficiency and ventilation technologies are also included so you can move in and enjoy your new property, knowing that it won’t need updating for many years to come.
5. Better for the environment, cheaper energy for you
Today’s new build homes are built to the latest environmental standards with far less carbon emissions than older properties. Not only good news for the planet but for you too! Research from the NHBC Foundation and Zero Carbon Hub has shown that living in today’s new build homes could result in savings of around 55% on gas and electricity spending – for a 4 bedroom detached house, that’s over £1,300 a year based on current prices compared to a much older property.
6. Is that the neighbours?
It’s a myth that all new homes are built with thin party walls and you can hear everything your neighbours are getting up to. Following the introduction of tough new industry standards in 2003 new homes are now built with materials and techniques to significantly reduce noise from adjoining properties.
This won’t necessarily stop you hearing your neighbour’s teenagers having band
practice, but a recent study by NHBC Foundation found that since the new regulations came into force, there have been far fewer complaints about annoying everyday sounds coming from adjoining houses.
7. Latest security and fire safety
New homes are generally safer and more secure than older properties. Fire safety, in particular, is helped by the standard installation of smoke alarms, fire doors, and fire retardant materials.
Many builders will also include security locks, burglar alarms and security lighting as part of your standard specification.
8. And finally, warranty and insurance protection…
Your new home will come with a 10 year warranty and insurance cover – most likely NHBC Buildmark. This will give you two years builder warranty and then a further 8 years’ insurance provided by NHBC against damage to the home caused by the failure of your builder to build specific parts of the main structure to NHBC Technical Requirements.
You probably won’t need it, but it’s great to know that you’re covered just in case.