New-Build Benefits
There's no easy way to move home. But while buying a brand new home won't eliminate all the stress from moving, it can reduce the pressure in a lot of ways, and at least you know that, when you get the keys, all you need to do is unpack your boxes and uncork the wine. But how exactly can buying new help you? I spoke to David Bexon, Managing Director of Smart New Homes, who builds a pretty good case by explaining, "In the busy and hectic lifestyles most of us live these days, it is vital for our health and well-being that we take every opportunity to reduce stress levels. Moving house is one of the most stressful things you can do, but the many advantages connected with buying a new home can help to avoid some of the main stress triggers, cutting the time, costs and hassles of moving house and making the whole process a lot easier to handle."
But if you want the lowdown, here are my top ten reasons to buy new...
Avoid the Chain-Gang
Second hand properties can suffer from being part of a long chain and when that happens, if one of the 'links' drops through, it affects everyone. However, buying a new home means there are no other sales and purchases to rely on, and even better, some developers will take your existing property in part exchange, which really can take the pressure off. This is an ideal solution for those who need to move quickly – perhaps due to relocation through work or changing family circumstances – and is possibly the path of least resistance in terms of ensuring your move is as quick and stress free as possible.
Escape estate agents
With dear old estate agents regularly topping polls of most hated professions, quite a few of us would feel a lot less stressed if an estate agent wasn't involved in the purchase of a property. Guess what? – one of the benefits of buying new is that in the majority of cases, you get to deal directly with the developer, who sees you as a valued customer and not just one of a number.
Survey Stress-less
Getting a survey on a property is one of the most stressful parts of buying a home, what with awaiting the results, comprehending the findings and re-negotiating offer prices as a result. But new homes don't require complicated, in-depth surveys – although with the new regulations recently introduced, soon you will get a Home Information Pack giving you details of searches, etc. upfront as well as an Energy Performance Certificate.
Spoiled for Choice!
It's not always easy to find the perfect home, especially when you have a clear idea of what you're looking for. But with developers becoming increasingly aware of consumer lifestyles, most developments offer a variety of properties with different room sizes, aspects and layouts. Not only that, if you get in early enough and are prepared to pay a bit extra, most developers will look at customising your property to suit your requirements where possible. It's the ideal way to get the home you want without having to live in it while all the dust is flying around – and best of all, someone else does all the hard work!
Suits you Sir!
Because your new home won't have had any previous occupants, and you won't have to do any renovation before the place is habitable, as soon as you've completed, you're good to go! The majority of developers are happy to work with you in terms of dates, so you shouldn't have any problems in arranging a convenient day to move which fits in with your timescales.
Grand Designs
It's the ultimate blank canvas – your new home will be clean, cream (in most cases) and ready for you to express your personality. Without the worries, hassle or expense of having to replace that avocado bathroom or hideous wallpaper, you can take your time and design your decor without having to rush to rid yourself of the previous occupant's bad taste. Many house builders offer buyers a choice of fixtures, fittings and carpets, and some go even further and offer a complete interior design service, meaning that your new pad is plush and perfectly painted to your requirements the day you move in. Bliss!
No-Worry Warranty
Even though you need a survey on second hand properties, you never really know what problems are lurking until you've moved in. Want to avoid that uncertainty? Most new homes come with a National House-Building Council (NHBC) Buildmark warranty and insurance, offering a ten-year protection policy for new homeowners should any problems arise with the property.
Take it Easy!
By their very nature, new homes require a lot less maintenance than an older, second hand property. Also, you're not inheriting the previous occupant's potentially dodgy DIY skills in terms of the important stuff like plumbing or wiring. In addition, the smaller and well-designed gardens of new homes can also prove easy to maintain and less hassle than some gardens of older properties, meaning less time and hassle spent on DIY!
Peace of Mind
The modern locks, alarms and materials used by developers mean that new homes have high levels of security and safety. That's a double winner, not just in terms of better protection against the baddies who may also take a shine to your new pad – and what you've got in it! - but also reductions in home insurance premiums from forward-thinking companies who offer preferential rates to those in new properties.
Easily Energy Efficient
Want to be greener without even trying? Did you know that many new-builds feature ground-breaking technology and construction methods designed to minimise waste and work in balance with the environment? Not only does this make them on average four-times more energy efficient than older homes, it means a reduction in household bills for you, and a better environment for everyone else. And that's before you start recycling or using energy-saving light bulbs!