Should You Buy a New Build?

But with new builds sharing the market with older properties, one question facing prospective buyers is whether they should choose a new property or take a chance on something older and with a bit of history behind it.

In this article, we asked estate agents in Ongar about the benefits and advantages of choosing a new build – and how to make the decision between new and old.

Advantages of a New Build Home

There are some advantages of buying a new build home that we don’t even really need to mention. An unlived-in place, a new build is somewhere to make your own memories – moving into a blank canvas that you can tailor and personalise according to your needs and lifestyle. Some developers will even sell new builds before they are complete, with buyers able to have their say on colour schemes, appliances, and bespoke finishes.

These surface-level benefits are widely appealing to buyers of all ages. But the advantages don’t end there.

New builds are typically built with excellent energy-saving features – be it the building materials used or the integrated technology. They come with high energy ratings and are renowned for presenting homeowners with relatively low energy bills.

What’s more, new builds can often be purchased with the support of various schemes. Shared ownership is something being offered by more and more developers to make buying a property more accessible. And let’s not overlook the benefit of a property with no chain, which makes moving that much easier!

Choosing Between a New Build or an Older Property

All things considered, there are several reasons why new builds are becoming increasingly sought after, both among younger and first time buyers, and those seeking the community and low maintenance of a newly erected development.

For some buyers, however, the character and history of an older property is particularly appealing. When you buy a property that has been lived in, not only do you inherit the unique features and characteristics, but you may find that the surrounding landscape is more established and extensive. Older properties tend to have more mature gardens and larger plots surrounding the house itself.

Find Your Dream Home

When it comes to finding your dream home, the first step to take is getting in touch with your local estate agent. Armed with information on what you’re looking for, including your budget and ideal location, an estate agent can help filter available properties into a shortlist of those that you might be interested in.

From there, they can arrange viewings and help you navigate the process of viewing a property before putting in an offer and sending it to the seller.