Would you move to a new build

platypus

platypus

platypus

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Not something I'd ever considered, but thats the way Cambridge is going, and when we're looking at sizing up it seems an easy way to do it. I don't really like new builds, nor estates, but at least its a nice area, and they're putting it in a 300 acre country park, rather than just building houses.

I guess my concerns are that its still only half built, the utilities haven't been confirmed (eg not able to check broadband capabilities), and well, its new build! Which I hate. However, for the money we can get a lot bigger than what is available in the dead centre (where we are now, very expensive), and this particular estate is only 10 minutes out of the centre.

Is where you live worth this kind of compromise?
 
You will get the benefits of the zero rated VAT by the developer on the build passed on to you (also applies to any "extras" or options you agree when buying) will get a 10 year NHBC cover (for what it's worth) and,in principle, a more efficient and cheaper to run property with a lot lesser chance of shirt to medium term maintenance issues.

The trade off is (usually) a lack of character an older / period property gives

But (especially buying off plan / first owner) is you will get more for your money. Half finished site / utilities I wouldn't be worried about (except Internet connection) and the whole "on an estate" thing really depends on the plot and your neighbours

Pros and cons of each so suppose its up to you and what you want / can get for your money
 
When I was looking I said I wanted either new build or something that had been completely refurbished because I was suck of living in places where something was always being redecorated.

Of course, I ended up buying something built in 1895 that hasn't been decorated in 20 years and needs a complete rewire, new boiler and hot water system because the location is so good (two minutes from the best school and town centre). As they say; location, location, location.
 
If you buy a new build make sure about the builders snagging policy.

We bought a new build off plan and they were pretty good with them (which is particularly helped by other properties in the development still being built as they had builders onsite). With us it was along the lines of inform the site office of the problem for the first month and come and sort it out in the next day or so, at the end of that time they also asked for a list of all outstanding issues which they then worked through. Then after six months they asked for another list of any other issues for them to address (in the interim issues could be reported to the site office and dealt with).

The only issue I had with utilities was when BT came out to sort out the phone line connection and had to reschedule as they needed to access a manhole which was under 2 tonnes of sand :(
 
Yes and no. For the savings on bills a new build is the way to go but with zero character and tiny plot sizes I wouldn't. New build + one off architect designed house on your own plot would be the way to go if I had the cash.
 
Derek W said:
Yes and no. For the savings on bills a new build is the way to go but with zero character and tiny plot sizes I wouldn't. New build + one off architect designed house on your own plot would be the way to go if I had the cash.
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Self build, you design the features you want in your house.

Platypus, a lot of new developments are having FTTP , here in Bath there are several new developments & all having FTTP as standard.

The Clay Farm development, Cambridge was one having FTTP enabled homes, a list here, might be out of date though, with other new build missing.

http://www.openreach.co.uk/orpg/hom...a_exchange_lists/new_housing_developments.pdf
 
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Our house was brand spanking new but the novelty wears off when you notice the insane amount of dust that builds up in a week.
 
Having been seduced by larger floor spaces in the past of new builds I'd never go back now.

They're typically flimsy, characterless and have no garden. Also they're typically overlooked and are surrounded by parked cars in the roads.

Not for me, but that doesn't mean they won't work for you.

That said they are low maintenance, and can be a decent size. Getting in early also nets you a bargain, but you need to live with some inconvenience.
 
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I wouldn't, over priced and for less.
Especially once you look at garden size, drive ways, garages etc.

They cram new houses on to tiny plots then charge you 30% more than old houses in the surrounding area, going oh but it's new. So what's that meant to mean. In my book new = worse.
Suppose it might be different at the expensive end. But had a look around a new build the other year on one of the goverment schemes. ~144k for a 2bed flat. Can get a 2/3bed house with a garden garage etc for that.
 
No. They are building an estate just over & down the road a bit from me. The houses are set at odd angles so they can squeeze more together, Gardens are ****, MDF everywhere, Laying bricks in freezing cold weather, neighbours will be driving under your front room window to park, Room sizes are pathetic, Once you put furniture in them they will be tiny, Overlooked from every side & over priced.
I'd rather buy something old made out of bricks with decent room sizes & a bit of land around it.
 
Me and the Missus were thinking similar when it comes to upsizing but we chose to pass and looking elsewhere now.

My Missus isn't as bad as me but I loathe them! They tend toward flimsy, cheap and nasty. You can see a "good" new build and they may be worth it but generally I will always avoid as they will lose value or at least not gain any and as others said they are just charmless and generic.
 
Suppose it depends on the builder / developer and the plot location as, obviously, you get what you pay for - and that goes for new build or "older" houses
 
Nightglow said:
Self build, you design the features you want in your house.

Platypus, a lot of new developments are having FTTP , here in Bath there are several new developments & all having FTTP as standard.

The Clay Farm development, Cambridge was one having FTTP enabled homes, a list here, might be out of date though, with other new build missing.

http://www.openreach.co.uk/orpg/hom...a_exchange_lists/new_housing_developments.pdf
Click to expand...

I'd be designing my own house anyway ;) was just keeping my response general with regard to the op.
 
Nightglow said:
Platypus, a lot of new developments are having FTTP , here in Bath there are several new developments & all having FTTP as standard.

The Clay Farm development, Cambridge was one having FTTP enabled homes, a list here, might be out of date though, with other new build missing.

http://www.openreach.co.uk/orpg/hom...a_exchange_lists/new_housing_developments.pdf
Click to expand...
Good to know, unfortunately this development isn't listed. Any ideas where I could get an updated list?
 
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