If you’re looking for a new house, and you’ve not even considered buying a newly built property, think again. There are a number of advantages to buying brand new over pre-owned, some of which you may not even have occurred to you…
Decreased maintenance costs are just one of the reasons why buying new is smart. There are unlikely to be any major structural issues coming to bear with a new build. Also, because UK homes now have to meet a minimum requirement of building regulations before going on sale, they meet a much higher standard of insulation and eco-efficiency. That means new build owners get significantly lower energy bill.
One of the, perhaps, more shallow advantages of a new build is that unbeatable feeling of unspoiled perfection. The sensation of living in a new, completely unused house is quite something to beat. The knowledge that no one has used the house makes it a lot easier to relax and truly feel that the house is a ‘home’.
Mortgages are quite often much cheaper for new builds, as they are not usually the most sought-after property. They are usually located on the edges of existing developments, and often spring up in large numbers at once, – this, too, helps to lower potential mortgage rates. Santander is a good place to start looking for a mortgage, as they offer competitive rates and provide a mortgage calculator – click the link for the Santander calculator for mortgage.
Of course, buying any property, whether new or old, requires research. It might be the largest transaction you’ll ever make. Here are a few tips for buying a new build home…
Find out as much as you can about the site’s management. Seek opinions from those who have already moved into the project.
Do web research. Read reviews on the developer. Check forums to find out what people’s experiences are. Be thorough!
Take careful measurements of your potential house. You’ll need complete and accurate dimensions if you are planning to move any furniture in from your current house. Measure the door frames and spaces you intend to put furniture. Take accurate readings for the garage so you can be sure of getting your car in properly.
When buying ‘off-plan’, inspect the blueprints for both the site and the house. Compare it to the rest of the development to ensure equity. Draft in professional help, such as a chartered surveyor, to give you expert advice. The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors is a good place to start for this.
