Read this before you choose a new build or an older property

In this post, we’ll take a look at the pros and cons of each option so you can make the best decision for yourself.

New Properties:

One of the main advantages of choosing a new build is that everything in the house will be brand new – from the carpets and floors to the kitchen and bathroom fittings. You’ll be the first person to live on the property, so you won’t have to worry about any hidden surprises, such as dampness or a dodgy boiler.

New builds are also often designed with energy efficiency in mind, so you may find that your bills are lower than if you were to buy an older property.

Additionally, if you are buying a new build that is part of a larger development, you may have access to communal areas and on-site facilities such as gyms and swimming pools.

One of the main disadvantages of choosing a new build is that it can be more expensive than older properties.

Also, because they are built on greenfield sites, there is often a lack of mature trees and landscaping, which can make an area feel less established.

Here are the main pros and cons when considering a new build:

Pros

• Efficient: New homes are more energy-efficient and often come with warranties. Usually, they are better insulated, have higher-quality windows, and have more effective heating and cooling systems.

• Aesthetic Appeal: New homes often come with more features and amenities than older ones. This means that you may have a swimming pool, gym, or other recreational facilities on-site.

• Customisation: You can often customise the finishes to some extent, such as choosing your kitchen units and bathroom tiles. The best part is that everything will be new, so you won’t have to do any repair work.
  This takes me to my next point.

• Care: They should need less maintenance than an older property. Think about it. With a new home, you shouldn’t have to deal with any maintenance issues for a while. If something does go wrong, it is likely covered under the builder’s warranty.

• Fresh: You will be the first person to live on the property, so there won’t be any hidden surprises.

Cons

• Price: New properties can be more expensive than older ones because you are paying for the land, the materials, and the labour.

• Location: New developments are often built on greenfield sites, which means there is often a lack of mature trees and landscaping. This can make an area feel less established and also more isolated.

• Lack of space: One of the downsides of buying a new build is space. I often hear my clients complain about the lack of storage space in new build homes. This is because developers are trying to maximise the number of units they can fit on a site, thus reducing the overall size of each unit.

Older Properties

Older built houses are often cheaper than new builds.
That’s the main advantage – they cost less.

However that doesn’t mean they are always a bargain, you need to be careful and get a surveyor to check for any structural issues before you commit to buying.

Another advantage is that older properties are often more spacious than new builds, as they were built at a time when the land was more plentiful.

Older properties may also have larger gardens.

The main disadvantage of an older property is that it might need some repair work and updating. This can be expensive and time-consuming. Another downside is that older properties are often less energy-efficient than new builds, so your bills may be higher.

Here are the main pros and cons when considering an Older Property:

Pros

• Charm: Older homes have character and charm that new builds can’t replicate. One of the main advantages of older properties is that they tend to have more character than new builds. This could include features such as original fireplaces, cornicing or floorboards.

• Location: Older properties are often located in more established areas with better infrastructure. This means that you’ll be closer to shops, restaurants, and other amenities.

• Greenery: Older properties also tend to have larger gardens than new builds, giving you more outdoor space to enjoy.

Cons

• Maintenance: One of the main disadvantages of older properties is that they can require more maintenance than new builds. This could include things like fixing a leaky roof or replacing an old boiler. It can be harder to find older homes in good condition.

• Damp: Another common issue with older homes is dampness. This is often caused by poor insulation or a lack of ventilation.

• Asbestos: Another potential issue with older properties is asbestos. This was commonly used in construction before the 1980s and can be dangerous if it’s not properly managed.

Can I legally build my own house?

This is a question we get asked a lot as residential architectural designers.

The simple answer is yes – you can, but there are a number of things you need to consider before taking on such a project.

One of the biggest considerations is whether you want to build from scratch or renovate an existing property. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages.

If you’re thinking of building your own home, you’ll need to make sure that you’re allowed to do so. This will depend on factors such as the size and location of your plot.

You will also need to apply for planning permission.

If you’re set on building your dream home from scratch, there are a few things you need to take into account.

Firstly, it will take longer to build a house than it would to renovate an existing one.

Secondly, the cost of materials and labour will be higher as everything will be new.

What are the advantages of building a house?

Building from scratch does have its advantages. You will have a completely blank canvas to work with and you can design the property exactly how you want it, without any restrictions.

If you’re thinking about renovating an older property, there are a few things to bear in mind. One of the biggest considerations is planning permission; depending on the extent of the renovation work required, you may need to apply for planning permission.

Can we construct a building without planning permission?

The process of obtaining planning permission can be time-consuming and expensive. In some cases, it may not be possible to obtain planning permission for the construction of a new building.

In these instances, it may be possible to carry out works without planning permission under what is known as ‘permitted development’.

Permitted development allows certain types of work to be carried out without the need for planning permission.

However, there are restrictions and conditions attached to permitted development rights. For example, the size and location of the proposed development may be restricted.

If you’re thinking about carrying out works on your property, it’s important to check whether you need planning permission or if the works would fall under permitted development.

Contact us now for a free consultation.

Final Thoughts

There you have it!. We are hoping this guide helped you clear your head about what is the right property to buy according to your needs.

It’s important to consider your lifestyle when making a decision about which type of property to buy.

The cool thing is that Manchester is a great city to invest in, with many residential architects that can turn your dream home into a reality.

Remember, as a Manchester based residential architecture firm, StudioTashkeel is here to help you with any decisions and offer a free consultation. Contact us now!