Buying something shiny and brand new usually costs a premium. But when it comes to your home, new builds can be the smarter choice for your bank balance.
From deals to lower day-to-day running costs, here’s how opting for a new-build property can save you money.
1. New-builds come with cheaper bills
New-build homes need to meet high energy efficiency standards, and as a result they're both eco-friendly and cheap to heat and run. This is one of the main reasons that two thirds of UK buyers either want or are open to a new build.
More than 80% of new-builds have an energy efficiency rating of A or B on their Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). Only 4% of older homes have an EPC rating at this level.
New-builds often have condensing boilers, double (or triple) glazing, insulation and solar panels. They also usually have the latest energy-efficient appliances and heating.
Research by the Home Builders Federation in 2023 found that new-build home owners were saving around £2,600 a year in energy bills on average.
What’s not to love about savings and a smaller carbon footprint?
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2. Deals and special offers on new-builds can cut costs
Many house builders offer incentives to help sell homes within their developments.
Incentives help developers to hit their targets. Examples include free white goods, free furnishings or car parking space.
Other perks might include paying your legal fees or stamp duty.
Of these, the offer to pay your stamp duty is likely to provide the biggest saving. But remember, first-time buyers are exempt from stamp duty up to £300,000.
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3. New-build warranties can save you money on repairs
The Consumer Code for Home Builders (CCHB) gives protection and rights to anyone buying a new-build home.
Under the code, buyers should be treated fairly and fully informed about the home before and after they sign the contract.
Any home built in line with the CCHB will also come with a housing warranty.
While house builders don’t legally have to follow the CCHB, most of them do. In fact, lenders often require homes to be built this way to offer mortgages against them.
The cover is for 10 years and protects you if there are any major problems with how your home has been built.
The cost of any major repairs will be covered by the insurance. This means fewer nasty financial surprises, and it can save you money on repairs during the life of the warranty.
The UK’s main new home warranty bodies are NHBC, Premier Guarantee, LABC Warranty and Checkmate.
Find out more about what the CCHB means for your rights as a buyer.
4. Homes can be customised, so you won’t have to make expensive changes
Another advantage of purchasing a new-build property is that you can tailor the property to your taste from the start.
This might include selecting your own fixtures and fittings. You might decide on the position of cupboards and plug sockets, or pick the colour of kitchen worktops.
As you can stipulate exactly what you want from the get-go, you shouldn’t have to spend much money (or time) on decorating or renovating down the line.
Keep in mind that how much you can customise your home depends on how far along it is in the build process. You should be able to personalise it more if you're buying off-plan, while options might be limited if it's already finished.
Plus, different developers have different options when it comes to customisation. It's worth researching developers to find out which have the best options for you.
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5. Repair costs should be minimal for the first few years
With a sparkling new-build home, you’re unlikely to have to fork out for repairs - at least in the first few years.
This is especially the case if it's been built to the latest specifications, as most new homes are.
This lower level of maintenance should mean savings for you as the owner.
6. You won’t need the most expensive survey when you buy
When purchasing an existing house, a survey is a comprehensive (and expensive) report into its condition. Different surveys cost between £400 and £1,500 on average.
But with a brand new house, you may decide not to commission a survey at all.
A ‘snagging survey’ is a simpler option and costs around £300. It can be used to spot any minor defects before the sale goes through.
Minor defects might include chipped worktops, poor joins in the woodwork, and doors that don’t shut properly.
It can also be used to alert you to bigger issues, such as dodgy electrics and faulty plumbing.
If you don't use a snagging survey, it's a good idea to go through the property and compile a snagging list yourself before you move in.
7. New white goods means lower maintenance costs
Fridges, freezers, cookers, hobs, dishwashers and washing machines. All white goods will be brand new when you move into a new-build.
Make sure you ask the developer to give you their guarantees. Brand new goods are less likely to break down and cost you money.
Plus the warranties should mean you save cash on repairs.
8. Higher levels of security could mean cheaper insurance
New-build properties come with high levels of security which can reduce your insurance.
Many new builds have burglar alarms fitted as standard. Some flats and developments are gated, have concierge services and CCTV.
These factors count in your favour for buildings and contents insurance and can make it cheaper.
9. There are buying schemes available for new-build homes
There are several buying schemes available to help you purchase a new-build home.
Deposit Unlock
Deposit Unlock enables first-time buyers and second-steppers to buy a new-build home with just a 5% deposit.
17 house builders are taking part and the scheme is available to help you buy any house or 2+ bedroom apartment.
Find out more about Deposit Unlock
Search for homes available with the Deposit Unlock scheme
Shared Ownership
Shared Ownership homes can be new builds, existing properties, houses or flats.
Shared Ownership is a government scheme that offers you the chance to buy a share of a property from a housing association, a non-profit-making body that provides homes.
Because you only own a part of the property, you can buy it with a smaller deposit and mortgage.
Find out more about Shared Ownership
Search for homes available with the Shared Ownership scheme
First Homes
The First Homes scheme launched in 2021 to help local first-time buyers and key workers onto the property ladder by offering new-build homes at a 30% - 50% discount.
The reduced rates will apply to the homes forever, meaning that buyers on a low income will continue to benefit every time the property is sold.
The government has pledged a further 10,000 properties will be added to the First Homes scheme every year.
Find out more about the First Homes scheme
The buying schemes available for new-build homes
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