Are people tending to buy new builds over old?

alchemist.1

We bought an old build but can see the attraction to a new build with the renovating/fixing issues. I imagine a new build would be less hassle and for someone without time to mess around would be a better bet.

glasgowdan

In my experience it's 1950s builds for us...great durability, modern enough to be snug and economical and often built on decent size plots.

I wouldn't consider an estate house or new build, unless it was a private job.

dirty_magic

I think help to buy has a lot to do with it as a lot of the shared ownership houses are new builds.

Having bought an older house in need of work I can definitely see the appeal now of a new build. Only the smaller first time buyer houses are tiny. Our friends have a new build built by a small local builder and it's lovely, the rooms are much bigger than ours. The problem is it comes at a premium price.

They're building a new estate near here, but the decent sized houses are 300k. A 1 bed apartment is 155k, nearly as much as we paid for a 3 bed detached! I don't understand who is buying them at those prices.

Thrugelmir

Jon_B wrote: »

There is a lot of misconception about new builds and dare I say it, snobbery from people who dismiss new builds. Much like this thread, I read the comments and wonder if they actually have any real world experience of a new build as I have lived in three different new builds and have never know many of the problems that have been presented.

Not so much the houses but the space afforded. Modern developments while very nice. See houses built to 3 storeys with small gardens to optimise the land available. I'd prefer to have a 100 ft back garden. With my neighbours likewise spaced.

Danieljames93

My partner and I have exchanged contracts on a new build and handed deposit over. Wish we had not now, as people say I don't believe you get enough for your money nor if your like me it doesn't quite feel like yours unless you add a touch done by yourself. In the process of trying to withdraw with deposit but don't have high hopes.

KingS6

I'm young and prefer old build. That's despite living in a 2008 flat at the moment.

The vast majority of my estate has had work done two times now, all under NHBC. The amount of scaffolding that has gone up is insane. I suspect this is because the properties were built too quickly and on the cheap. The developer is Baratt's surprise, surprise.

However I've noticed a difference in quality between the two divisions of Baratt's that built my estate. Current side was built by Baratt's Manchester and is of inferior quality in every aspect to the other half built by Baratt's Cheshire.

Been in properties of different era builds all my life and I can safely say I found the old Victorian/Edwardian terraces to be the best. They are warm in winter and cool in summer and have larger living areas, never found them to be poorly insulated. Same goes for sound insulation they are solid walls. Usually are cabled for Virgin Media too as they're pre 1990's so more choice of utilities.

In my area at least I rarely see any scaffolding going up on them. They also more sought after and therefore more expensive, hence the only reason why I have not moved into one. They are built to last.

I've found snobbery to be reversed when discussing it. People in the new build or desire new builds look down on those in older properties.

Davesnave

I'm not blind to the attractions and diversity of new builds. In fact we looked at two in Wales, where it's still possible to get a large house on a plot of over an acre at a sensible price. However, as these were ready-built, we had no chance of input, so they didn't work for us. Part of the problem was the plot itself/orientation etc.

In the end, we chose the plot and adapted a house instead. Any conventionally built property from the last 60 years can be made warm, comfy and convenient.

I'm seeing more people doing this locally, although demolition is probably quicker and easier in many cases. Two properties have gone that way within a mile of us in the past 12 months. A third, built non-conventionally, but in a great location, had its roof supported and the walls and internals replaced by a local firm. It all seems to be do-able on a sensible budget for the type of house. Good luck to these new-builders/re-builders.

If it's snobbery that makes a house on a good size plot, facing the right way, with unrestricted sunshine and no one overlooking, then I'm guilty as charged. However, I don't really care whether it's 50 years old, or put up last month.

glasgowdan

Have you got a large plot in the countryside Dave? You've never mentioned it ;-)

Phirefly

glasgowdan wrote: »

In my experience it's 1950s builds for us...great durability, modern enough to be snug and economical and often built on decent size plots.

Couldn't agree more. But much like Ebeneezer Goode they can be very much maligned and misunderstood. I think there's something about the aesthetic which can put people off.

On more than one occasion friends who visited our first 50s home had commented that they hadn't thought that sort of house would be their cup of tea until they stayed and experienced how well it works. And two other couples have subsequently gone on to buy 50s properties they have admitted they wouldn't have considered before visiting us!

Sometimes the rooms can be on the smaller side but there's usually enough space and rooms that it's nothing a couple of RSJs can't fix...

Davesnave

glasgowdan wrote: »

Have you got a large plot in the countryside Dave? You've never mentioned it ;-)

It's only small holding, Dan, so I tend not to mention it.....