New Build Versus Older Property

Successive governments have come under pressure to increase the number of homes available in the UK. In their manifestos for the 2019 elections all the main parties pledged to increase the supply of housing, with the Conservatives aiming to add 300,000 housing units per year and more than one million over the course of their parliamentary term. Large new developments on the edge of town or on former industrial sites quickly adds to the housing stock, but the preference of millions of us is still to buy an older property. So which is the best choice, new build or older existing property? Do you want the charm and solidity of an older house, or would you prefer the blank canvas offered by a modern home? Personal preference obviously plays its’ part, but there are many practical things to consider too.

Pros of an older house:

Older properties are often located on spacious plots and seem less hemmed in. There may be opportunities to extend the property and add value.
In general rooms are bigger and may have interesting features such as large fireplaces.
Thicker walls made of brick are more substantial and give better sound proofing than modern breezeblock and plasterboard.
Gardens are usually bigger, with mature and well-established trees and shrubs.
Bigger plots allow for off-road parking, as well as longer driveways away from roads and traffic.

Cons of an older house:

Older properties will probably require more regular maintenance, as original features become worn out. Past repairs may have been neglected or be inadequate.
Renovations may be needed to the roof and walls to deal with leaks and damp.
Heating and plumbing systems may be inefficient, taking longer to heat up and leading to higher bills.
Windows may not be double glazed and roofs may lack insulation.
Repair costs can be more expensive, especially if trying to retain original features.

On the other hand the prospect of owning something brand new, that no-one else has touched or tainted, is something that appeals to many of us. The thought of moving into a home that no-one else has slept in, showered in, or cooked in gives us the feeling that we are special, and that we have a blank canvas to make the property our own. However, just like owning an older property, new build homes have downsides as well as upsides.

Pros of a new build house:

Owners are often able to personalise their home before they even move in, choosing kitchen and bathroom styles, as well as carpet and paint colours.
New build properties usually come with a warranty against faults, often for a period of 10 years, so saving on repair bills.
Moving straight into a new property means that there are no delays as you wait for the previous owners to move out.
New homes will benefit from being built to the latest standards in thermal efficiency, insulation and double-glazing, making them warmer and cheaper to run.

Cons of a new build house:

A new build property can lack character and look identical to all the others around it.
Developments of new housing often lack local amenities such as shops or pub.
Properties are often built close to each other so that the developer can maximise the number of units within the plot.
Developers usually charge a premium price for a new property, making it more expensive than an equivalent older house.
New properties are often built with cheap, mass-produced materials such as plasterboard, producing thin walls with little sound insulation.
Construction or supply problems mean there can be delays in building your house, or that construction work is still going on elsewhere in the development after you move in.

As the saying goes: you pay your money and you take your choice.

About Bretherton Law

Bretherton Law have been serving the people of Hertfordshire for over 50 years. Our team of experienced Property Lawyers will ensure that whether you are buying or selling, the conveyancing process will run smoothly and professionally. We offer a same day response promise as well as fixed fee quotes. Bretherton Law are accredited under the Lexcel legal practice and the Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Schemes. Contact us on 01727 869293 or use the contact form on this page.