It’s ‘New Homes Week’ so what better time for us to highlight the advantages of opting for a new build home?
The Homes for Scotland initiative, which runs from 15-21 May 2017, aims to promote the many reasons why new build wins over more established homes.
Yes, maybe we, as housebuilders, would say that! – however, there are a number of facts which support this:
THE COST
Buying a new home gives you a number of options that can make the ultimate goal of home ownership more affordable and completely achievable.
For example, we are actively building homes right now which fall under the ‘Help to Buy (Scotland)’ initiative, meaning you could buy a new build with as little as a 5% deposit, the main stumbling block for first-time buyers in particular, but remember the scheme also accommodates second movers. Of course, there are other options such as Part Exchange and Assisted Move which really can make the difference between being able to move when you want to or not.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
A new property built to the latest building regulations can cost half as much to heat as a Victorian house of the same size, according to a recent report by the NHBC Foundation.
The advantages of new homes are based on a survey of 2,000 people who have recently moved into a new home. Many pointed to the energy efficiency benefits - the better standards of insulation, enhanced draught-proofing and improved ‘airtightness’ that help to lower household annual energy bills and improve levels of comfort.
The report shows that energy bills are expected to be around £440 lower in a modern one-bedroom ground floor flat, compared to its Victorian equivalent. And, for a new build four-bedroom detached house, bills are estimated at £1,050 - saving £1,400 compared to those of a 19th century house.
SAFETY NET
New builds also offer peace of mind, with a number of added reassurances to avoid unpleasant (and expensive) surprises. Not only is the price fixed but buyers can enjoy the back-up of the NHBC 10 year warranty, underpinned by the Consumer Code for Home Builders.
Furthermore, stringent building regulations ensure consumers are protected in their new home. All of Stephen’s new builds currently under development meet onerous building regulations so you can rest assured that your property is of the highest, possible quality.
SUPERIOR INTERIORS
Of course, design and interiors are other prime reasons why people love new builds. Although our Perth-based team has been building homes since 1935, our properties are built to suit today's modern lifestyles and meet high technical standards. They also offer layouts which many older homes cannot accommodate without major structural works. Changes to accommodate open plan living areas or introduce en-suites, utility rooms or even built-in wardrobes can prove too much for many purchasers.
In fact, it has been estimated to cost £45,000 to bring the standard of an older property up to the same specification as a new home. Opting for a new build means that you avoid the hassle and cost, and can enjoy your stunning, modern home from day one … without ripping out outdated kitchens and bathrooms, stripping 1970s wallpaper and knocking down walls!
For more information – and to download fact sheets outlining the advantages of new build, visit http://www.new-homes.co.uk/new-homes-week/ or explore the homes we are creating right now at www.stephen.co.uk.
