One of the key choices you’ll face when buying a home is whether to buy an older property or opt for a brand-new build, as both come with their own advantages, and it’s important to understand what each can offer before you buy. Below, we explore the benefits of buying a new build with Beal Homes compared to buying an older home, so you can make an informed decision about what’s best for you.
The Advantages of Buying a New Build Home
Buying a new build home appeals to buyers looking for efficiency, convenience and the opportunity to create a space that feels like theirs from day one. New builds are designed to modern standards and come with a range of benefits that simply aren’t available in many older properties.
Some of the most significant advantages of a new build home include:
- Energy efficiency: New builds are constructed to meet the latest building regulations, meaning better insulation, energy-efficient windows and modern heating systems will be included as standard. This not only reduces your environmental impact, but it can also lower your energy bills, saving you money year after year. See our blog on ‘How Energy Efficient Are New Build Homes?’ for more information.
- Reduced maintenance: Everything in a new build, from the boiler to the roof is brand new, meaning you won’t face costly repairs or replacements in the foreseeable future. Instead of spending weekends tackling DIY projects or arranging contractors, you can simply move in and enjoy your home from the start. This is a huge advantage of buying a new home through Beal.
- Streamlined process: The buying process for new builds can also be quicker and more straightforward. There’s no risk of getting caught in a complicated chain, as you’re purchasing directly from the developer. At Beal, our Part Exchange and Smooth Move schemes make the process even easier, helping you sell your current home without the stress and uncertainty that can delay a move. See our help for buyer’s guide to learn about our other helpful schemes.
- Greater personalisation: New build homes also offer a level of personalisation that’s rarely possible with older properties. Our Design Lounge allows you to choose everything from your kitchen layout and worktops to your bathroom tiles and flooring, creating a home that truly reflects your style and needs. Rather than making compromises or budgeting for renovations later, you can move into a home that’s been tailored to you from day one.
- Further personalisation: Beyond our superb Design Lounge, you can do so much more with a new Beal home than any other new build. For example, we can build sunrooms and orangeries, garage conversions (both plot and build stage specific), and design a bespoke kitchen (as long as the sink stays in the same place). People can also customise their ensuites with recesses and rainfall showers, build media walls and add wardrobes to their home. This level of personalisation is what makes a Beal home stand out from the rest.
The Appeal of Older Homes
There’s no denying that older homes have a charm of their own, though. Many people are drawn to period features such as high ceilings, decorative fireplaces and large bay windows.
Older homes are also usually ready to move into as soon as contracts are exchanged, meaning there’s no waiting for construction to be completed, and you can plan your move around your timeline rather than a build schedule. For some buyers, this immediate availability is a major plus.
However, while these homes can seem full of character and promise, they can also bring their share of challenges. Some of the biggest challenges with an older home include:
- Lower energy efficiency, with outdated insulation or older heating systems that can mean higher energy bills.
- Maintenance can be more frequent and sometimes unexpected, with roofs, wiring, plumbing or even structural work requiring attention soon after moving in.
- Older homes may also have limited scope for personalisation without undertaking costly renovations, meaning you have to adapt to the existing layout and finishes rather than truly making it your own.
When considering an older home, it’s worth thinking beyond the initial purchase price. Additional repair bills, renovation projects and ongoing running costs can add up quickly, and these are factors every buyer should keep in mind before deciding on a Beal new build versus buying an older home.
Why Many Buyers Prefer the New Build Experience
Many modern buyers are finding the benefits of a new build far outweigh that of older homes. The peace of mind that comes from owning a home built to current standards, with a full structural warranty and little to no maintenance costs in the first years, is hard to beat. Add to this the lower running costs thanks to excellent energy efficiency, and a new build becomes a financially smart choice as well as a lifestyle upgrade.
The ability to personalise your space before you even move in is another strong advantage. Instead of adapting someone else’s choices or having to renovate, you can make your home yours right from the start. Our previously mentioned Design Lounge helps to make this process enjoyable and inspiring, allowing you to see and feel every option before making your selections.
On top of this, the home-buying schemes we offer are designed to simplify what can otherwise be a stressful, uncertain process. Whether it’s avoiding estate agent fees through Smooth Move or benefiting from a guaranteed buyer with Part Exchange, we make sure your journey to a new Beal home is as seamless as possible.
Another reason buyers prefer a new build from Beal is because of the captivating charm of our homes. You get the benefits of a new build whilst still keeping the charm many buyers love in an older home, with features like stunning chimneys, traditional clay bricks and crafted porches – as opposed to GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) –are available with other builders.
Choosing What’s Right for You
Ultimately, deciding between a new build and an older home comes down to your priorities. If character features and established surroundings are at the top of your list, an older home could be a good choice. But if you value energy efficiency, low maintenance, a tailored interior and a simpler buying process, a new build is likely to far outweigh an old home and suit you better.
At Beal Homes, we believe your home should work for your lifestyle; that’s why we go the extra mile to give our buyers choice, flexibility and confidence throughout the homebuying journey. With almost 60 years of experience behind us, we know what matters most to our customers, and we design our homes and services to deliver exactly that.
Final Thoughts
Although older properties have their own appeal, the benefits of a new build are becoming increasingly hard to overlook. From long-term savings on energy bills and reduced maintenance costs to the joy of moving into a space designed around your needs, a new build home offers a modern, hassle-free route to homeownership.
If you’d like to explore the difference for yourself, call our team today to find out more – or you can view our developments and discover the Beal difference for yourself.
