6 reasons why buying a newly built home is easier

If you’re looking at buying property, be it as your primary home or as an investment, you might be wondering whether it’s better to buy a newly built home or an older house.

Much of this will depend on whether you are planning on tackling a DIY project or prefer a move-in ready home. Here are six further factors to consider when looking at a newly built vs. older home:  

1. Lower maintenance costs: Older homes require significant ongoing maintenance, particularly if the previous owners are selling because of financial restrictions. Newly constructed homes, however, will have modern plumbing and electrics, with stringent building codes and safety regulations adhered to. With regular upkeep, you don’t have to worry about costly maintenance and repairs on your home.

2. Modern design for modern living: If you buy an older home, you’ll likely have to knock down walls and spend quite a bit on renovating the home so that it suits your modern living needs. Aspects like open-plan living, home offices, en-suite bathrooms and maximising the views weren’t part of older home designs but might be elements you want in your new space. If you’re buying in a new development, you generally get to choose from pre-designed layouts with the option of customised fixtures and fittings that suit your lifestyle and taste. Newer homes will also have modern conveniences such as sufficient (USB!) plug points, appliance-ready kitchens, and clever storage options.

3. Better energy efficiency: Energy efficiency in a home is not just a convenience, it’s a modern necessity which ensures you benefit from long-term cost savings. Renovating an older home to become energy efficient can be a costly affair, with many roofs unsuitable for solar panels and gutters unfit for water storage tanks. New homes come with more energy-efficient heating and cooling – while also taking advantage of design for optimum temperatures. Low-flow plumbing fittings, water storage solutions, solar-ready designs and more make new homes a much more energy-efficient option.

4. State-of-the-art security systems: Older, standalone homes are much more vulnerable in terms of safety and security. In addition, they aren’t always fitted with the latest security technologies that bring peace of mind. New homes, particularly those in estates, will come with top-notch security features, controlled access, and 24-hour patrols which means your family – including children – can roam freely and safely.

5. Community amenities: If you buy into a new estate rather than an older, standalone home, you’re enjoying access to modern amenities and facilities developed for the community. Clubhouses, swimming pools, hiking and biking trails, sports facilities, and more are all part of your new home value. You and your family will enjoy a more social, active lifestyle right on your doorstep.

6. Better resale value: The top-notch technologies, modern design, superior building materials and many other benefits of a new home also put a higher price tag on its resale value. This is especially true of homes that are located near the coast, as the semigration trend continues, driving coastal property values up.

Find out more about modern, security estate living by visiting Serenity Hills on the KZN South Coast.

For more on homes, visit Get It Magazine.