FTB - older or newer property?

Robert_Sterling_3

Do not go for a new house.

KKevin_2

My advice would be as follows:

Wouldnt buy a new build as the quality isnt there, just go and look at a development e.g. housing estate that has been built in the last 10 to 15 years and see what state they are in.

As previously posted, you would struggle with a lender for a new build and if the situation in the current climate gets worse fair chance you will end up in negative equity.

I would go for something that has a solid build quality that doesnt need alot of maintenace or repair, you wont go far wrong.

ukcarper

I Don’t think houses built in the last few years are any worst than houses built in the 70s and 80s my house was built in the 80s and is not as well built as my daughter’s house built about 10years ago. Brand new houses did lose a lot of money because they were overpriced compared to existing houses. As an example a new estate was built near me and when the house were new they were the most expensive type for type in the area now they are the cheapest. As mention earlier watchout for social housing there is some on the above estate and i wouldnt want to live next door to them saying that though I once had a neighbour on a very nice estate I live on who was terrible

downs523

this thing re. new builds aint all that bad, i have just bought a 3 bed house which is 3 yrs old on a new estate. quality seems alot better than older houses i have viewed, walls are thin but my partners mother lives in a new build (2 yrs old) and its a semi. they never really hear their neighbours through the walls.

Doozergirl

I'd choose the 3 bed but have a thorough survey so you know what to expect.

Id' be looking for one with space or a garage to the side, or a big garden so that you could extend to add space/value as your family grows.

poppysarah

driver85 wrote: »

First post on here, looking for some advice on what type of property to buy.

Go see
1. A semi - ex-council solid built big rooms
2. a new build town house
3. A small terrace
4. a big terrace villa style

And see what you like about them.

housesitter

I hate new builds. I'm a FTB going for older property. 70's would be ideal, I'm not going for newer than late 80's.

I've worked in the house building industry from 3bed townhouses to 6bed+ mansions. Personally, I wouldn't buy a new build.
Reasons of cost saving measures which I feel have led to a house which is less freindly to the DIYer which I will be.

eg: I beam joists, trussed roof spaces, lack of ceiling roses for electrical lighting, building into the roof space to give more bedrooms, 3story terrace rebaged as townhouse.

They do have benefits tho eg: plaster stud internal walls rather than brick makes cable and pipe chasing much easier.

confused31_2

I know this probably wont affect most new houses, but i have read a lot of articles about new houses being built where theyre are flood plains, like i say probably not all new builds, but worth taking a look at if you are going to buy one.

Unless it comes with a free canoe:D

CLS26

Incidentally, does anyone know of a way (other than examining the title deeds for a particular property) of finding out how old a property is (or a street of property is)?


Thanks,
CLS

poppysarah

You can tell by looking sometimes. I've got a lovely book with types of houses in that gives dates.

Show us a url and we'll guess