Key takeaways
New builds offer warranties, energy efficiency and no onward chain, but smaller spaces and potential snags
Older home provides character, better locations and value-adding potential, but may require higher maintenance costs
Consider both purchase price and ongoing costs when comparing properties
Your lifestyle priorities should guide you in choosing modern convenience or period charm
Does a brand-new home or an older property with more character sound more appealing?
There’s no wrong or right answer here. It all comes down to your preferences and needs. Both options come with their own unique advantages and potential drawbacks.
It’s often asked by buyers “are new builds worth it?”. But it’s not always as straightforward as this.
We’ve put together the advantages of both new build properties and older homes to help you decide.
A new build home is a property that has never been lived, you’ll be the very first owner and occupier. Whereas an older home or “old build” home one that has had at least one owner, if not many.
Modern homes are sometimes referred to as new builds even if they’ve been lived in, these are classed as existing home.