What are the advantages of buying a new-build home?

4 Feb

New Homes Week takes place from 3 - 9 February 2025. Here are just a few advantages of living in a new-build home.

There are some things that go without saying: you get to immerse yourself in an untouched space, a home for making memories in that’s only ever been yours.

However, there are other benefits that are less obvious. Often, newly built homes come with 10-year structural guarantees, energy-efficient features, and ready-made communities where you can settle in immediately.

A new-build might just tick all your boxes when it comes to home-hunting.

Energy-saving features

It's likely that you'll be interested to know the energy-efficiency rating of homes you find on Rightmove if you're house hunting.

A new home can be four times more energy-efficient than an older one. As a result, they often use energy-saving materials and smart technology. Many of them achieve A or B EPC ratings.

Schemes for home ownership

A buying scheme can be used to purchase some new-build homes. You can read more about current buying schemes here, including eligibility requirements.

The shared ownership scheme allows you to buy a share of a property, and then pay rent for the remaining part. You can purchase a shared ownership property either as a new construction or as a resale of an existing one.

In Scotland, LIFT is a shared-equity scheme. Depending on the type of LIFT scheme used, buyers buy between 60% and 90% of a home, and the Scottish government holds the remainder.

A new scheme, Deposit Unlock, was launched by the house-building industry. You can qualify for this program if you have a 5% deposit and are a first-time buyer or already on the property ladder. Select lenders participating in the program can then lend you the remaining 95%.

Selection of design elements

The interior design scheme of an off-plan home is usually visible when you visit a development's show home. As well as choosing things such as flooring, work surfaces and cabinetry, you may have the option of customizing your design. You can then design your home according to your tastes and specifications. As part of their furniture packages, many developers also offer a range of accessories.

There is no chain

You won't need to wait for a seller to find another home to move to before moving into a new-build, so you won't have any chain to deal with. It may not take you long to unpack those boxes if you find a move-in-ready new-build home.

Renovations are not required

In your new home, there will be no renovation work to do. Almost all fixtures, fittings, and structural works will be covered by warranties, so you can move in knowing that everything is brand new.

Community

New Homes Week 2025's theme is 'Community', since many people moving into new homes will be able to immediately become a part of the community.