This is a collaborative post
The UK certainly has its fair share of old, draughty houses. A recent report from the Home Building Foundation found that English homes are in the worst condition of all European homes, despite their high price tags.
This is probably why new-build homes are in very high demand in certain parts of the country, especially the South. In Reading, for example, there are plans to convert an unappealing office block into all-new studio flats. Settling into a new-build home in Reading is a great idea because the connections to London and the southeast generally are excellent.
Energy efficiency
One of the primary benefits of a new-build house is its superior energy efficiency. This is only set to improve, as new homes built from June 2023 must adhere to higher standards set by the government in 2022. By these standards, such homes are likely to emit around 71% less carbon than the typical older British house. And by 2025, energy efficiency standards for new-builds will be getting even tighter.
Most new-builds have an EPC rating of A or B, indicating their excellent energy performance. All in all, this is great news for homeowners who want to save money on bills.
Modern features and amenities
A new-build home is a breath of fresh air for anyone who enjoys contemporary design and features. This type of house often incorporates the latest design trends and tech. For example, some new-builds are open-plan, a design known for its spacious, airy feel. Open-plan living is often helpful for those with small children as well because it makes it easier to keep a close eye on them.
And that’s not all. Many of these homes come with smart technology that makes them more seamless and convenient to run.
With smart lighting and smart heating, for example, you can control and adjust the settings from your phone. This allows you to turn on the lights for a few hours while you are away to deter burglars or being able to switch on the heating just before you arrive home from work.
It’s even possible to have smart curtains and blinds, smart washing machines and smart dishwashers.
And with electric cars rising in popularity, you’ll find that some new-build homes also have charging points too.
Each housing developer will offer different features, so it’s important to check exactly what’s on the table when you enquire.
Reduced maintenance costs
New-builds usually come with a 10-year warranty. If the house has previously been owned but was built in the last 10 years, you may still have this warranty passed on to you from the last owner.
Thanks to modern building standards, it’s fairly safe to say that you can expect fewer expensive maintenance jobs with a new-build.
But if you buy a cheaper, older property, you may get lumbered with costs for rewiring, re-roofing and any number of other renovation jobs.
Resale value
Some people are hesitant about new-builds because they are afraid the house will lose its value.
If you only plan to live there for a year or two, this concern could have some value. But if you’re likely to live there for 5 or more years, there’s a chance that it will regain value. There are also all the other benefits you’ve got to consider like the money you could save on bills and the convenient, modern design features.
Conclusion
There’s no doubt that the build quality and design in a new-build home offer a whole host of benefits. With new-build flats and homes of all different sizes, there’s something to suit households of all sizes.
Disclosure: This is a collaborative post