As a first-time buyer, you might not immediately head to the new-build property markets, but there are many positive reasons why you should. In this guide, we’ve explained the benefits of buying a new-build if you’re buying your first home and why you shouldn’t limit your purchasing search to existing properties.
What is a new build home?
Typically, a property can still be classed as a new-build home even if it was built up to two years ago—the stipulation is that it must have been owned or lived in by no one else during that time.
So, if you were to look to buy such a property with us, here are the ownership benefits you could eventually enjoy:
The chance to personalise
We release properties for sale ‘off-plan’, meaning our buyers can personalise their new home by selecting finishes such as the style of the kitchen and bathroom and the choice of tiles. Everything is installed and ready for when you move in, and the rest of the house is a blank canvas on which to stamp your individual style.
Financial help with Your Move
When you buy a new home, you get access to schemes that simply aren’t available on the second-hand market. These include the Government’s Help to Buy initiative for first-time buyers, the opportunity to Part Exchange your existing property, and help selling your home through Smooth Move. Living also offers additional incentives on selected properties such as mortgage contributions and discounts for key workers.
A chain-free move
Buying new means there is no upward chain. Your house purchase is likely to be faster, more straightforward, and without the worry that your sale could fall through due to problems higher up the house-buying chain that are out of your control.
No DIY disasters
The excitement of moving house can soon disappear when faced with someone else’s decorating tastes or hidden DIY disasters! Renovating a second-hand property can be time-consuming and costly. Buying a new home means your property will be built to a high standard in line with modern building regulations, with high-performance materials and modern fixtures and fittings.
Lower energy bills
Modern design and using energy-efficient materials and appliances means that new homes are greener and cheaper to run than older properties. In fact, according to research by the Home Builders Federation (HBF), the fuel bills of a new-build property are, on average, 53% lower than those of a similar-sized Victorian property. A more efficient home means you’ll be lowering your family’s carbon footprint too.
A 10-year guarantee
Your Living home comes with the peace of mind of our own two-year warranty and after-sales care as well the NHBC (National Homebuilding Council) 10-year Buildmark Warranty. The NHBC also carry out independent checks at key stages when your home is being built.
Dedicated home office space
New homes are thoughtfully designed around modern family life. This means we consider practical space for all the family, including open-plan kitchens, formal and informal living areas, practical utility rooms, ensuite bedrooms and dedicated home offices.
A new community
Buying a new home is the chance to be part of a brand-new community. We choose aspirational locations close to local amenities, schools and shops and with good transport links. Larger developments will often feature new areas of green open space, children’s play areas and their own community facilities.
