5 Benefits of Buying a New Build Home
Buying a home can be an exciting yet equally daunting experience. With so many houses to choose from and an endless list of factors to consider, it can be hard to know which is right for you.
The benefits of buying a new property cannot be overlooked and could provide you with the hassle-free move you are looking for. We explore the top five advantages of buying a new build home.
Enhanced energy efficiency
According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the single most significant factor associated with a home’s energy efficiency is the property’s age. According to ONS, homes built from 2012 onwards are much more likely to have a better energy efficiency rating than older homes. Having greater energy efficiency means lower running costs for the homeowner.
Older homes can often have poorer insulation and drafty windows, which can be costly to repair and heat. Newer properties adhere to the most current building standards and regulations, which mean better thermal insulation and air-tightness in your home.
New homes, such as the ones featured across Berkeley Group developments, usually feature high-quality energy-saving appliances to help you live more sustainably. All these energy-efficient features equate to homes that are kinder to the planet and save you money on utility and heating bills.
Improved safety
All new properties come with a 10 year build warranty, the first 2 years of which are covered directly by Berkeley Group. Furthermore, the brand-new appliances installed in new builds will also come with individual warranties. Knowing that a warranty protects your home provides total peace of mind and may even reduce the cost of your buildings and contents insurance.
Money-saving incentives
Investing in a new build home could mean you can take advantage of the government incentives available. The Help to Buy equity loan scheme was launched by the UK Government in 2013 to help first-time buyers get onto the property ladder. It involves the government lending buyers a percentage of the new build property price. This could be anywhere from 5 per cent and up to a maximum of 20 per cent (40 per cent for new homes in London), which means the amount of deposit that first-time buyers need to contribute is much lower.
In addition to saving money on your mortgage, a new property can also save you money in the long term. When you buy an older property, there are often unforeseen costs for repairs, rewiring or renovations to transform it into your dream home. However, with new build properties, everything is completely brand new, which means you can move in and start living your life straight away.
A new community
When you move into an older home, you are moving to an area that already has an established community that you then become a part of. However, when you buy a new build home, you will be surrounded by like-minded people who are all working together to establish an entirely new community.
A new development is usually chosen for its location and proximity to essential amenities. Some developments, such as Kidbrooke Village, even have essential amenities onsite, such as a gym, schools, shops, dining and 86 acres of open space, making connecting with your neighbours even easier.
Modern-day living
New properties usually feature spacious open-plan living spaces that maximise natural light and seamlessly connect with the outdoors. In addition, modern developments often allow for certain features of the home to be customised to your taste, including individually designed kitchens, bathrooms, unique layouts and a choice of fixtures, fittings, and colour palettes.
Many new homes will even come with a host of modern technologies, such as built-in USB charging ports, lighting controls and smart appliances for your convenience.
If you are interested in being part of a new thriving community and want to enjoy the many benefits of living in a newly built home, click here for more information on the latest homes available from Berkeley Group.