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New Homes - BenefitsProperty Information & Advice > Benefits of a New Home |
Why consider buying a brand new home rather than an existing home?1. New homes are mostly more energy efficient than Victorian houses, and are more environmentally friendly as they use the latest energy generating technology. 2.New homes have lower maintenance and running costs than an older home. 3. New homes come with a ten year warranty usually from the National House-Building Council (NHBC) or Zurich. 4. New homes have modern designs, come with a high specification and are value for money. 5. When buying a new home, you do not have the problems associated with property chains. Part exchange deals are sometime available to save expense and the inconvenience of using an estate agent. 6. You can give your new home an individual look from the outset. 7. Everything will be new. There will be nothing to repair or redecorate, you can start living in it as soon as you move in.
Another way of buying a brand new home is to buy it 'off-plan'. This is where a deposit is put down on a plot of land to be developed before the builders actually start building. This way you can pick the best plot! Developers tend to offer good prices for those willing to commit early. An advantage to buying 'off-plan' is that as house prices keep rising, those who put a deposit down some time ago find the home is worth much more. To find developers offering such deals its best to go on recommendation and by visiting developers web sites. The local planning office is always a good source of information as detailed plans will be on display before any building work starts. The final way of owning a brand new home it to build it yourself ie self-build. The reason for a self-build is that you can create the house of your dreams, it will be cheaper than buying. You can build the house to a higher specification than that bought from a developer. Points to considerFind out what type of site your new home is being built on. Many new housing developments are being built on 'brown-field' sites, which were use for rubbish tips or were industrial estates. Find out more about the area you are going to live on from, companies such as Landmark Information who can provide you with an in-depth report for a reasonable charge. Checklist when buying a brand new homeEnsure your builder is NHBC registered by calling their helpdesk on 0845 845 6422 or by visiting their web site at www.nhbc.co.uk. Should your builder not be registered check with which company your cover will be provided. Make enquiries about the builder's reputation, nationally or locally. Get references to speak to previous customers and ask to look around homes the builder has previously built. Go and see the site, is it well managed? This can tell you a lot about the builder regarding his commitment to quality and his attitude in general. Should you need a mortgage, seek advice from your lender at an early stage to find out under what conditions they will lend on such a development. Also, employ a solicitor or licensed conveyancer. Read and understand the Buildmark Cover (the NHBC's warranty), before you exchange contracts. Once the contracts have been exchanged, the Buildmark policy, will be available from your solicitor, read these carefully. Don't move in before the house is fully completed. Once you have moved in, check around it thoroughly. Should there be any defects report these immediately to the builder, in writing, and remember to keep a copy. If you find yourself in a dispute situation with the builder, write to your local NHBC office. If the property is a couple of years old, so outside the initial Buildmark cover, it may be worth getting a structural survey done. |
Analyse the advantages of buying a new home than an existing one and find out the things to look out for and points to consider while buying a new property.