With so many different types of property for sale the buyer is often left confused and discombobulated by the options at their disposal. One of the major considerations is whether to buy an old or a new property. In the past buyers were usually divided by agents into two distinct types, those who would only look at older property for sale due to its character and features and those who would only look at newly built property for sale for the convenience.
Many buyers see period property as a financial bottomless pit that will simply eat money for years to come whilst in contrast, those aficionados of older properties bear the belief that newer residences are boring, uninteresting and characterless.
These beliefs however have become less ardent in recent years due to modern technology being incorporated into older houses and a greater effort in the design of new builds. Whichever side you back however it is pretty irrelevant as whether the property for sale is new or old, it will always carry additional costs that are rarely factored in by buyers.
For instance while a new house may be perfect to move in straight away, how long is it before the homeowner feels that a new kitchen would look nice?
This is especially true in newly built estates where the homes for sale are usually constructed differently to the show home, meaning that the new owners are almost instantly pining for an upgrade to their kitchen or bathroom.
Additionally newly built property for sale has other downsides, particularly if it is brand new. For instance, while the show home may have beautifully landscaped gardens, this is not always the case with the rest of the homes on the estate. In contrast, an older property is sold as seen, it is likely to already have a garden and other add-ons such as carpets and electrical outlets.
It is advisable to bear in mind safety features when looking at property for sale, newer properties are likely to already have smoke and burglar alarms whereas in older homes it is probable that these will have to be installed.
Maintenance is a key issue when looking at older properties for sale. It is remarkable how evident cracks and deficiencies become once the previous owners have striped the property of belongings and furnishings. In some cases this will require an investment of both time and money so it is understandable that people who want a home that is ready to move into will be more inclined to look at new builds.
This is why it is imperative that buyers utilise the services of a qualified surveyor before putting an offer in for a property, particularly if it is older. This survey should look at the seals between the walls, floors and ceilings both inside and out as well as items such as the roof and any border problems. By doing this the buyer can gain some form of assurance that the home is in a decent state before moving in.
Hopefully this article has highlighted both the benefits and deficiencies of old and new properties for sale. This article has not intended to sway the reader to either way of thinking, ultimately the choice is down to the buyer and the amount of credence they place on period features and maintenance issues.
With such a range of properties on the UK market the choice is startling and the chance of finding that perfect home is almost certain; whether it is old or new.
Real estate expert Thomas Pretty looks at the different types of property for sale in the UK, with a particular focus on old and new homes.
|
|