When it comes to moving house ?" home hunters have long been faced with the dilemma of old versus new.
However, according to latest research* over half (67 per cent) of all UK house-movers would currently prefer to buy a new build home over a second-hand property.
Energy efficiency with smart thermostats and lower running costs are among the priorities for those looking to buy a new property, followed closely by a designated home office space and a garden/access to green open space.
Highlights of the whathouse? New Home Buyers survey 2022 include:
- Most important to a first-time buyer was having a driveway.
- Next steppers placed energy efficiency, additional space and a builder’s green credentials among their priorities when buying new.
- Low running costs and electric vehicle charging point were favoured by those buying their forever home.
- Homebuyers in the Yorkshire region were most interested in the new home having its own driveway over superfast broadband
The findings place the UK’s residential developers ?" like Linden Homes (part of Vistry Group) - at the forefront of meeting public demand for post-pandemic living.
Sales director Steve Woomble said: “Buying a new home can cut down on many costs associated with an older property, allowing customers to tick a wish-list of essentials while also putting them in the driving seat when it comes to those finishing touches ?" not to mention saving them a small fortune in domestic repairs.”
All Linden Homes’ new builds across Yorkshire are built according to the very latest guidelines and come with standard features like designated parking space or driveway, double glazing and a connection to a main gas supply, all or some of which may not be available on older properties due to design or planning restrictions.
Re-decorating, installing a new bathroom or kitchen and laying new carpets are just some of the DIY jobs many of us have planned when we move into a ‘used’ home.
Steve added: “Running alongside all of these are the demands that have arisen from the pandemic, and more recently the hike in utility bills and rise in the cost of living.
“New homes have long been recognised for their energy efficiency, from the installation of new boilers to correct insulation and double glazing.
“Another big trend of the pandemic is of course working from home, with many people looking for a designated workspace as part of their new home checklist.
“Many of our properties come with studies or offer flexible layouts to accommodate home working ?" not to mention gardens, which have become an even greater necessity for many people ?" a desire grown from the various lockdowns.”
Other benefits of buying new include
- Carefully planned locations accounting for access to schools, transport links and local amenities.
- Incentives including shared equity and schemes for first time buyers and existing homeowners.
- Most new homes come with an insurance-backed 10-year guarantee offering peace of mind.
- Home buyers wanting to reduce their impact on climate change can buy new-build properties in the knowledge that they are investing in an energy-efficient home that qualifies for a new green mortgage discount.
-ENDS-
Contact: Cetti Long, Media Matters, 01733 371363; cetti@mediamatters-pr.co.uk
*data from the New Home Buyer Survey/ What House?
