Would you buy a new build home?
Discussion
We have just received a mortgage promise for well in excess of what we would need to spend to buy something decent and appropriate for us in Edinburgh on a 95% LTV mortgage. Young professional couple with no real commitments. We didn't really intend to buy any time soon but in theory we could, however, as most properties in Edinburgh tend to go over home report value and you only get a mortgage to home report value we would likely need to save for another year or so before we could buy the normal first time buyer property - one or two bed city centre flat. However, we could buy a new build tomorrow with a 5% deposit. Most of the developments are pretty far out of the city centre, but that compromise means we could easily afford a 4 bed detached with garage and driveway. I also have know someone quite senior in a major house builder who can get us the extra bits and pieces thrown in at cost if we bought with them (though they are not a particularly well reviewed house builder...). It would likely be 200-250k for two bed city centre flat (but would need 20-40k in cash) or 250-350k for a 3 or 4 bed new build with garage (but would only need 5%, 12.5-17.5k, plus fees and stamp duty).
My concerns with a new build are depreciation, snagging issues, being stuck on a soulless housing estate in my late twenties, and the additional commute (would likely be bus or train depending on transport links at development). However the advantages seem to be modern well kitted out home under warranty and guarantee, that we would not need to move from for many years (I'm sure in a few years we would want to upsize from a City centre flat). It would also get us on the housing ladder a year early.
My concerns with a new build are depreciation, snagging issues, being stuck on a soulless housing estate in my late twenties, and the additional commute (would likely be bus or train depending on transport links at development). However the advantages seem to be modern well kitted out home under warranty and guarantee, that we would not need to move from for many years (I'm sure in a few years we would want to upsize from a City centre flat). It would also get us on the housing ladder a year early.
Edited by Integroo on Tuesday 14th August 08:41
We moved into a new build estate in November 2017 and its been great. Yes there have been snagging issues but then what house doesn't? Snagging wise its mostly been minor things such as adjusting doors, painting and some slabs on the patio that were loose.
Prior to putting a deposit down on the new build we considered a 3 bed detached property that was cheaper however it needed pretty much everything replaced. Total re-wire, new boiler, windows, kitchen, bathroom etc. I wouldn't say its any more characterful than the new build, even with all that work carried out! (I drive past the house most days and all work we thought needed carried out has been done.)
With a new build you have modern wiring/plumbing with everything marked up (stickers telling you which pipe is which etc.). As an added bonus we have FTTP broadband which was a nice surprise.
I certainly don't regret it, but I would advise you to go and visit all the new build estates (plenty on the cusp of the city bypass) and get a feel for them. We found one was particularly cramped whereas our estate is quite spacious.
Prior to putting a deposit down on the new build we considered a 3 bed detached property that was cheaper however it needed pretty much everything replaced. Total re-wire, new boiler, windows, kitchen, bathroom etc. I wouldn't say its any more characterful than the new build, even with all that work carried out! (I drive past the house most days and all work we thought needed carried out has been done.)
With a new build you have modern wiring/plumbing with everything marked up (stickers telling you which pipe is which etc.). As an added bonus we have FTTP broadband which was a nice surprise.
I certainly don't regret it, but I would advise you to go and visit all the new build estates (plenty on the cusp of the city bypass) and get a feel for them. We found one was particularly cramped whereas our estate is quite spacious.
Depends on the developer and importantly the site team. I had a project with a developer that we had a few issues with previously but the site manager was excellent as was the quality of the build.
I work with a number of different developers from planning through to end of defects so can see the value engineering in practice.
We don't live in a new build.
I work with a number of different developers from planning through to end of defects so can see the value engineering in practice.
We don't live in a new build.
You're on pistonheads asking whether to buy a city centre flat or a big house WITH A GARAGE
I don't understand the question :-)
Seriously, I've lived in new builds and old, and now in a 200 year old cottage, there's a lot less ongoing work in a new build. Yes they arent as characterful, but if I was young again, I'd buy the house, you can always buy character when you're older
I don't understand the question :-)
Seriously, I've lived in new builds and old, and now in a 200 year old cottage, there's a lot less ongoing work in a new build. Yes they arent as characterful, but if I was young again, I'd buy the house, you can always buy character when you're older
Although it's great to live in the city, I suspect over time your priorities could change (children) and the older you get, the more likely you are to want a quieter space.
My partner and I bought a 4 bed detached new build in 2015. She had a small but nicely done Victorian flat in Newcastle city centre and I had a 3 bed semi in a really nice town a bit further out. Before we had our son it suited us well. Nice estate to live on through the week and a city pad for partying on weekends. We sold up and got a new build. Our new build is quite a way out of town and not the best location and we had a lot more snags than most. That said, it's a fairly large house (for a normal new build), you can get double beds and furniture in all of the bedrooms, we have a few reception rooms to spread out in, large gardens and enough drive space for up to 8 cars.
The money we paid for it would get a small flat in the city centre but I'd never live in a flat. In all honesty, even a semi can be a pain as you can hear next door and you have to be mindful of the noise you're making too. I blast my Hi-Fi as loud as I want in my house and I'm not bothering anyone but Mrs Toon.
There's no write and wrong answer, just personal preference. You may find once you start to look at what you can get with a new build space wise that you start to question do you need the location and character.
My partner and I bought a 4 bed detached new build in 2015. She had a small but nicely done Victorian flat in Newcastle city centre and I had a 3 bed semi in a really nice town a bit further out. Before we had our son it suited us well. Nice estate to live on through the week and a city pad for partying on weekends. We sold up and got a new build. Our new build is quite a way out of town and not the best location and we had a lot more snags than most. That said, it's a fairly large house (for a normal new build), you can get double beds and furniture in all of the bedrooms, we have a few reception rooms to spread out in, large gardens and enough drive space for up to 8 cars.
The money we paid for it would get a small flat in the city centre but I'd never live in a flat. In all honesty, even a semi can be a pain as you can hear next door and you have to be mindful of the noise you're making too. I blast my Hi-Fi as loud as I want in my house and I'm not bothering anyone but Mrs Toon.
There's no write and wrong answer, just personal preference. You may find once you start to look at what you can get with a new build space wise that you start to question do you need the location and character.
Integroo said:
We have just received a mortgage promise for well in excess of what we would need to spend to buy something decent and appropriate for us in Edinburgh on a 95% LTV mortgage. Young professional couple with no real commitments. We didn't really intend to buy any time soon but in theory we could, however, as most properties tend to go over home report value we would likely need to save for another year or so before we could buy the normal first time buyer property - one of two bed city centre flat. However, we could buy a new build tomorrow with a 5% deposit. Most of the developments are pretty far out of the city centre, but that compromise means we could easily afford a 4 bed detached with garage and driveway. I also have know someone quite senior in a major house builder who can get us the extra bits and pieces thrown in at cost if we bought with them (though they are not a particularly well reviewed house builder...).
My concerns with a new build are depreciation, snagging issues, being stuck on a soulless housing estate in my late twenties, and the additional commute (would likely be bus or train depending on transport links at development). However the advantages seem to be modern well kitted out home under warranty and guarantee that we would not need to move from for many years (I'm sure in a few years we would want to upsize from a City centre flat). It would also get us on the housing market a year early.
Horses for courses. I bought a 4 bed detached Barratt box on the outskirts of Glasgow last year with garage, 3 car driveway, and big garden. It is what it is. After 30 years I was sick of city center living with the limited space, constant noise, no off street parking, piles of dog sMy concerns with a new build are depreciation, snagging issues, being stuck on a soulless housing estate in my late twenties, and the additional commute (would likely be bus or train depending on transport links at development). However the advantages seem to be modern well kitted out home under warranty and guarantee that we would not need to move from for many years (I'm sure in a few years we would want to upsize from a City centre flat). It would also get us on the housing market a year early.
t and bucky bottles everywhere. At 49 I've had my fill of the trendy west end pubs and restaurants and fancied a bit of peace and quiet. The house was 40 years' old and needed a lot of work to bring it up to scratch.We part exchanged and got about £25k more than we expected. Not too worried about depreciation: we paid £300k (£80k mortgage) and identical houses are selling for £320k today but we're not planning to sell anyway. We've had some minor snagging issues but the builders have sorted them pretty quickly. Yes, living in an estate full of identikit houses is pretty soulless, but we've got some great neighbours and there's a good community spirit already. My commute is actually quicker now despite being 10 miles further away. I jump on the M80/M8 for a couple of junctions, takes about 10 minutes. It used to take me 15 minutes in stop/start city center traffic with dozens of sets of traffic lights.
Moving house is expensive with legal fees, estate agents, stamp duty etc. so it makes sense to move as little as you can. If you do buy a new build, be prepared to haggle hard. You should be able to get a good wack off the list price and some nice extras thrown in too.
I build new houses for quite a large developer and would happily buy one of ours as they are very well built and a good spec and we have high quality control standards.
I wouldn't buy a new build home from many/any of the really big builders.
It depends on the builder and the development for me.
I wouldn't buy a new build home from many/any of the really big builders.
It depends on the builder and the development for me.
No, soulless, characterless and everything is cheap as possible (I.e. interior plasterboard walls!).
I owned a new build for a 4/5 years and rented it out (lived in it for maybe 1 year), never again.
Most have a provision for ‘affordable’ homes which means 1 parking place and 3 cars, as the development gets older and generally there people who live there do all of their children start getting their own cars.
I lived on the same estate when I was younger with my parents and it was lovely, now it’s like an overgrown car park, all the garages are turned into additional rooms and no thought for parking. We are talking 3/4/5 bed detached houses mainly.
Poor quality materials, you will lose 10+% as soon as you buy (and be hoping the value goes up), countless neighbours all over looking your tiny garden, windows looking directly into your home and you looking into your neighbours, not for me.
I owned a new build for a 4/5 years and rented it out (lived in it for maybe 1 year), never again.
Most have a provision for ‘affordable’ homes which means 1 parking place and 3 cars, as the development gets older and generally there people who live there do all of their children start getting their own cars.
I lived on the same estate when I was younger with my parents and it was lovely, now it’s like an overgrown car park, all the garages are turned into additional rooms and no thought for parking. We are talking 3/4/5 bed detached houses mainly.
Poor quality materials, you will lose 10+% as soon as you buy (and be hoping the value goes up), countless neighbours all over looking your tiny garden, windows looking directly into your home and you looking into your neighbours, not for me.
Im in my second new build house.
Both detached houses with garage.
1st one wasn't great quality. This ones miles better.
This ones traditional build rather than timber kit. Feels a lot sturdier.
Not sure what builder you are looking at but I dislike persimmon homes you'll do well to avoid.
The family over the road moved here from Edinburgh city centre here to get a lot more for their money.
I'd buy a big new house over an old flat every time. Who cares if if doesn't go up in value much, Its very affordable doesn't need much maintenance and I don't need to move again. I plan to be here forever.
Both detached houses with garage.
1st one wasn't great quality. This ones miles better.
This ones traditional build rather than timber kit. Feels a lot sturdier.
Not sure what builder you are looking at but I dislike persimmon homes you'll do well to avoid.
The family over the road moved here from Edinburgh city centre here to get a lot more for their money.
I'd buy a big new house over an old flat every time. Who cares if if doesn't go up in value much, Its very affordable doesn't need much maintenance and I don't need to move again. I plan to be here forever.
Depends a lot on the developer and the house. A family friend bought one on a small development on the outskirts of a large Hampshire village and it's really nice. She had a big snag list but they fixed everything on it pretty quickly and she even got some of the layout changed (bathroom door in a different position is the one I remember) by getting involved before they finished building.
On the other hand my wife used to live in a new build in Guildford that seemed to be built of tissue paper and everything was breaking, and I had a look around the show home on a development in Whitchurch years ago (£500+k homes in 1990) and was amazed how bad the build quality was. Kitchen units that didn't fit properly, sockets that weren't horizontal, and packed in so tight that the kitchen window couldn't open fully because it hit the fence.
On the other hand my wife used to live in a new build in Guildford that seemed to be built of tissue paper and everything was breaking, and I had a look around the show home on a development in Whitchurch years ago (£500+k homes in 1990) and was amazed how bad the build quality was. Kitchen units that didn't fit properly, sockets that weren't horizontal, and packed in so tight that the kitchen window couldn't open fully because it hit the fence.
When we were looking round at new builds a few years ago Redrow seemed the best in terms of quality. To our eyes anyway.
As for buying new build, the only thing that puts me off is the depreciation although its very area specific.
We have seen new builds sell for £n at build and then come back on the market 6 months later for n+20%.
Our first new build which we still own but don't live in was £200k in 2005 and today its worth around £220k (ish).
If we wanted to sell it at any point prior to last year we would have been making a loss.
For me the main advantages of new build is everything is new and under warranty and you can carpet the house before moving in and that's basically all you need to do. If you are not very good with snagging you can bring someone in to do it for you. We did a full refurb on our existing house and it was a total PITA and took 4 months. We still have a list of small jobs to be done.
As for buying new build, the only thing that puts me off is the depreciation although its very area specific.
We have seen new builds sell for £n at build and then come back on the market 6 months later for n+20%.
Our first new build which we still own but don't live in was £200k in 2005 and today its worth around £220k (ish).
If we wanted to sell it at any point prior to last year we would have been making a loss.
For me the main advantages of new build is everything is new and under warranty and you can carpet the house before moving in and that's basically all you need to do. If you are not very good with snagging you can bring someone in to do it for you. We did a full refurb on our existing house and it was a total PITA and took 4 months. We still have a list of small jobs to be done.
Edible Roadkill said:
Integroo said:
Edible Roadkill said:
l
Not sure what builder you are looking at but I dislike persimmon homes you'll do well to avoid.
Not sure what builder you are looking at but I dislike persimmon homes you'll do well to avoid.
The one in now initials TW is miles better.
Lord.Vader said:
No, soulless, characterless and everything is cheap as possible (I.e. interior plasterboard walls!).
I owned a new build for a 4/5 years and rented it out (lived in it for maybe 1 year), never again.
Most have a provision for ‘affordable’ homes which means 1 parking place and 3 cars, as the development gets older and generally there people who live there do all of their children start getting their own cars.
I lived on the same estate when I was younger with my parents and it was lovely, now it’s like an overgrown car park, all the garages are turned into additional rooms and no thought for parking. We are talking 3/4/5 bed detached houses mainly.
Poor quality materials, you will lose 10+% as soon as you buy (and be hoping the value goes up), countless neighbours all over looking your tiny garden, windows looking directly into your home and you looking into your neighbours, not for me.
What a load of tripe. You are talking about some overpopulated housing estate as if all new builds are like that. It depends on the developer and the project. You are talking about overlooking, as if that only happens with new builds, I haven't built one yet where this was an issue but it certainly is in loads of older properties as well as the over developed new builds. The development that I am currently building is of 6 new homes all with a garage, garden and driveway.I owned a new build for a 4/5 years and rented it out (lived in it for maybe 1 year), never again.
Most have a provision for ‘affordable’ homes which means 1 parking place and 3 cars, as the development gets older and generally there people who live there do all of their children start getting their own cars.
I lived on the same estate when I was younger with my parents and it was lovely, now it’s like an overgrown car park, all the garages are turned into additional rooms and no thought for parking. We are talking 3/4/5 bed detached houses mainly.
Poor quality materials, you will lose 10+% as soon as you buy (and be hoping the value goes up), countless neighbours all over looking your tiny garden, windows looking directly into your home and you looking into your neighbours, not for me.
Edited by Ahbefive on Tuesday 14th August 10:21
I don’t think the new build element is relevant. What you are looking at is being in your 20s and instead of living in the city centre of a great city where you can walk everywhere, be among a diverse range of people all living life considering moving out to a Soviet Workers housing gulag for cultural assimilation?
You’re in your twenties and you want to go and live where everyone is identical, driving identical cars to identical places, owning identical dogs and with identical wives and all seething with barely hidden contempt and loathing for everything around them and themselves while all desperately hoping for the sweet release of death?
You want all of that while you are still free and clear instead of waiting until you have young children when it might make sense?
“Choose life. Choose a job. Choose a career. Choose a family. Choose a fking big television, Choose washing machines, cars, compact disc players, and electrical tin can openers. Choose good health, low cholesterol and dental insurance. Choose fixed-interest mortgage repayments. Choose a starter home. Choose your friends. Choose leisure wear and matching luggage. Choose a three piece suite on hire purchase in a range of fking fabrics. Choose DIY and wondering who the fk you are on a Sunday morning. Choose sitting on that couch watching mind-numbing spirit-crushing game shows, stuffing fking junk food into your mouth. Choose rotting away at the end of it all, pishing your last in a miserable home, nothing more than an embarrassment to the selfish, fked-up brats you have spawned to replace yourself. Choose your future. Choose life . . . But why would I want to do a thing like that? I chose not to choose life: I chose something else. And the reasons? There are no reasons. Who needs reasons when you’ve got heroin?”
It’s worth noting that heroin isn’t the only alternative but rather living in a city centre making the absolute most of what a great city centre like Edinburgh can offer you when you are young and without children. There will be a time later in life when suburbia makes sense.
You’re in your twenties and you want to go and live where everyone is identical, driving identical cars to identical places, owning identical dogs and with identical wives and all seething with barely hidden contempt and loathing for everything around them and themselves while all desperately hoping for the sweet release of death?
You want all of that while you are still free and clear instead of waiting until you have young children when it might make sense?
“Choose life. Choose a job. Choose a career. Choose a family. Choose a f
king big television, Choose washing machines, cars, compact disc players, and electrical tin can openers. Choose good health, low cholesterol and dental insurance. Choose fixed-interest mortgage repayments. Choose a starter home. Choose your friends. Choose leisure wear and matching luggage. Choose a three piece suite on hire purchase in a range of fking fabrics. Choose DIY and wondering who the fk you are on a Sunday morning. Choose sitting on that couch watching mind-numbing spirit-crushing game shows, stuffing fking junk food into your mouth. Choose rotting away at the end of it all, pishing your last in a miserable home, nothing more than an embarrassment to the selfish, fked-up brats you have spawned to replace yourself. Choose your future. Choose life . . . But why would I want to do a thing like that? I chose not to choose life: I chose something else. And the reasons? There are no reasons. Who needs reasons when you’ve got heroin?”It’s worth noting that heroin isn’t the only alternative but rather living in a city centre making the absolute most of what a great city centre like Edinburgh can offer you when you are young and without children. There will be a time later in life when suburbia makes sense.
Ahbefive said:
Edible Roadkill said:
Integroo said:
Edible Roadkill said:
l
Not sure what builder you are looking at but I dislike persimmon homes you'll do well to avoid.
Not sure what builder you are looking at but I dislike persimmon homes you'll do well to avoid.
The one in now initials TW is miles better.
You pay your money you take your choice.
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