Are new builds worth it? It’s a coin with two sides & I am here to tell you my honest opinion on both.
A little backstory
In 2016 we bought our first house – it was a 1990 end terrace house that needed a fair amount of work. Within the first 3 hours of us moving in, the latch that was holding our bathroom window open broke off. Leaving the window flapping in the wind. Within 8 weeks of us moving in the existing boiled broke. So in the first 2 months in our new house we had already spent £7.5k on new windows & boiler.
Over the next 3 and a half years we spent nearly every weekend doing the house up, which was extremely tiring. And somewhere during that time we decided that the next house we will buy will be a New build.
So we did. 4 years and 3 months after we had moved into our first house – we loaded a 40ft lorry and drove to our new house.
Here are some of the blog posts from our previous house:
We had people asking & questioning us why are we buying a new build? Are new builds worth it? Are they really that good?
Let me tell you all the Pros & Cons to new builds! And then you can decide what your next house is going to be!
As I like to save the best for last, let’s start with the cons:
- Snags – cracking in corners, between stairs & the wall, around window sill. Any installed product or the actual installation faults.
- Stud walls – cut to this you will need to invest in more pricier fixings to put items up on the walls. Check my blog on How to fix heavy items to plasterboard walls for advice on this.
- Potentially small garden. Check the plans with your developer so you’re not surprised when you move in.
- You will need to fix your own TV Aerial in the loft.
- Postal issues – with new developments the street names, post codes and house numbers are a real pain to update on certain websites. Even banks.
OK, now that the negative things are out of the way, let me tell you why I would buy another new build in a heart beat:
- Everything, and I do mean everything is brand new!
- Warranty – You will get 2 year warranty with the house builder & 10 year structural warranty with NHBC (National housing building council – raising the construction standards of new homes in the United Kingdom, and providing consumer protection for homebuyers through its 10-year Buildmark warranty)
- Your new build is up to the latest building regulations (regulated by NHBC), making it efficient to run & maintain. No dangerous materials used (up to the date) in the build. Well insulated & warm.
- Downstairs WC – I am not going to lie, this is such a nice thing to have & I was thoroughly looking forwards to this!
- Straight, even & level walls!
- Ready to move in – no need to re-decorate or do any other work upon moving in, no extra expenses. (Unless you choose to do things yourself)
- You have lots of choices – upon reserving your plot, you will be able to make lots of choices for your new house. You can also upgrade and add things in (for extra cost)- for example – extra sockets (indoor, outdoor, garage), outdoor tap, outdoor lights. Upgrade your kitchens and bathrooms.
- Full central heating throughout the house – You might say it’s silly to have this a pro, all houses have it. But I can tell you that not all houses do – we viewed a house that did not have any heating in the house apart from one electrical storage heater in the hallway.
- Potential for no or much smaller exchange chain.
- All the certificates, warranties are handed to you upon completion.
- You will have a full customer journey from start to finish with aftercare support.
- Last, but not least – you get a nice Welcome Present moving in!
Neutral
Most new builds and estates (in the UK) are under a management company to look after all the surrounding and green spaces, as local authorities are unwilling to adopt and maintain them. Obviously there is a cost attached to this which is usually paid annually. I am really happy with all our surrounding areas and spaces we have, so I am more than happy to pay it!
I really hope I have helped answer your question – are new builds worth it? If you have any further questions – please leave a comment below!
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