Opinions on purchasing a new build

OldMusicGuy

We've just bought a new build that has larger than average room sizes and high ceilings. Build quality and finishes are superb. Much bigger rooms than the old "character" properties we also looked at. Don't believe all the nonsense you read about new builds. Some are good, some are bad, some are OK. If you look at one that's 3 to 5 years old, you will be able to see what size the rooms are and won't suffer from "show home" envy (and the undersized furniture that is often used!). You can also see if any build issues are appearing. 

JJR45

I have had 2x 70s houses and 1 new build.
New build was the best house we had, no issues at all and cheap to run.
We are now buying a new build again (once it is built).
You will notice with smaller developments by local builders you get more for your money (fully finished rather than the £xx,xxxs of upgrades you need to do with a big builder to get it ready to move into)
Also they are more flexible, we are going to get some the front garden reduced to add an additional 1 or 2 parking spaces.

Weathergirl_76

I am in the South East, Kent, and have seen a few for sale in Whitfield, Dover. They are building a new estate, it’s a huge project. I’ve realised that considering a new build (up to 5 years old) generally offers me a house that ticks all the boxes (parking, small garden, kitchen big enough for a table, up to date bathrooms and kitchen) within budget, at less than a traditional property.  My house is taking longer than predicted to sell, I am likely going to have to drop the price on mine (again), but opting for a new build means I can still get the house I want and not have any major expense refurbishing. If I get something a lot older, it will cost me more to purchase, and I will probably have a new bathroom or kitchen to install, which I want to avoid. 

Once I am under offer, I will see what’s around and do some research. 

Weathergirl_76

Thanks for all your comments, I am definitely including new builds in my prospective next purchase. 

coffeehound

I would speculate that it may become harder to buy new- and recent- builds as the deadline for gas boiler installations approaches in 2025.  Existing homes that have gas may become more sought-after, perhaps with a price premium.  There might be shortages of gas installers before the deadline as home builders try to get their installations completed.  

After the deadline, there could be shortages of competent installers of the new-technology heatpump systems, which could delay new-builds becoming available to buy.  So buyers will instead look for slightly older homes available straight away.  Once potential shortcomings of all-electric homes become better known, there may be extra store placed in gas-heated properties as they become a diminishing resource.

So all-in-all, maybe best to buy a new(-ish) build sooner rather than later.  Buyers who value running costs over virtue signalling would be well advised to get a gas-heated property

knightstyle

One thing many overlook when buying a house on a 'new' estate is look at the neighbouring properties and try to find out if the residents are owners or tenants.
In my experience tenants are a nightmare so avoid.  Yes i know owners can be bad but this is my experience, we ended up selling at a very low price just to get away.

Davesnave

knightstyle said:

One thing many overlook when buying a house on a 'new' estate is look at the neighbouring properties and try to find out if the residents are owners or tenants.

I wonder how one does that exactly? The fact that there's no explanation of how to do it suggests it might not be easy.

coffeehound

My new build had some sort of clause that it wasn't allowed to be let.  Don't know if that was enforceable.

AdrianC

coffeehound said:

My new build had some sort of clause that it wasn't allowed to be let.  Don't know if that was enforceable.

Not unique to newbuilds. We pulled out of the purchase of a flat because the lease restricted it from being let.

Scotbot

As everyone has said build quality varies whatever the age of the house. The issue for me would be tbe cost of service charges, these can apply to freehold houses as well as flats. If you do look at newer builds make sure you understand if there are any service charges and how they might increase.