Buying a New Home

Why buy new?

A new build property offers you a fresh start with no upgrading costs and a blank canvas for you to make your house a home. Today’s new build homes are designed with the modern family in mind and often include open plan living, extra storage facilities and security features.

According to a report by the National House Building Council Foundation (NHBC) purchasers looking for their next place to live are becoming drawn to the idea of buying a new home in order to have a ‘blank canvas’.  The survey of 2,000 movers found homeowners want to be able to put their own stamp on their house, free from nasty DIY or décor surprises left from previous homeowners, while also saving money on their energy bills.

Research has also shown that 44% of homeowners have recently completed or plan to do some form of DIY on their properties, with the average renovation costing £4,000. Buying a new build leaves very little, if anything, for the purchaser to do, and can save homeowners thousands of pounds on costly renovation and redecorating.

What are the main benefits of a new home compared to an older property?

New homes come in a variety of designs and styles, a range of prices and lots of different house types to suit modern lifestyles. Whether it’s a first time buyer looking to take that first step onto the property ladder with a city apartment, a second stepper moving out to a house in the suburbs to raise a family, or a downsizer hoping to free up some equity from their empty nest, new builds offer something for all house hunters.

The running costs of new properties are often far less expensive than second-hand properties. New homes on average give owners 6.5 times more energy than an older style of property.  Our homes come with highly efficient gas-fired central heating systems, double glazing and energy efficient appliances which will save buyers money – no more drafty windows or faulty boiler problems.  Conversely, around six out of 10 second hand homes have experienced condition problems such as damp, leaking roofs and windows, and gas/electrical problems, due to lower standards and fewer regulations.

New builds are also quality-guaranteed with a 10 Year warranty from the New House-Building Council (NHBC) which covers any structural issues that might arise after completion. Millwood Designer Homes also has a dedicated Customer Aftercare Department which provides peace of mind for two years following a purchase.

What schemes are available to help you buy a new home?

There are more ways than ever now to help you get onto the property ladder or to take another step. Help to Buy is a government-backed initiative designed to help people buy a home and there are a number of different options available, such as Help to Buy Equity Loans, Shared Ownership and Mortgage Guarantee. Visit www.helptobuyese.org.uk to see if you are eligible.

How can you move quickly?

One of the biggest plusses of buying a new home, if you are first time buyer, or have already sold your home, is being able to move in as soon as it’s complete. There’s no need to wait for existing owners to move out, reducing the house buying chain and the stress and uncertainty that often comes with it.

For those who still have a house to sell, it’s worth checking if Part-Exchange is available, as this can also be a viable solution of you need to move quickly.

What is the best way to save for a deposit?

Be realistic about how much you can afford. Use a savings calculator to work out what you will need to put away each month and then decide where the best place to store your savings. A government Help to Buy ISA is available from a range of banks, building societies and credit unions and means you could be eligible for a government bonus once you are close to buying your first home.

Where to buy?

There are a number of factors to consider once you have found a potential buy. Accessibility, facilities, noise, schools, crime, local area and amenities should be researched thoroughly to ensure your home meets all of your requirements. It would also be a good idea to check whether house prices in the area are rising or falling using an unbiased website such as Zoopla.

Current developments available

With many of our new homes are available through the Help to Buy scheme, Millwood Designer Homes offers a fantastic range of properties for all buyers throughout Kent, Sussex and Surrey, from contemporary styled apartments to more traditional two and three-storey homes.

We are looking forward to a busy year ahead with ‘The Kent Collection’ launching on 25^th March which will offer a stunning collection of two, three, four and five bedroom homes across three developments at Windsor Meadow in Marden, The Old Orchard in Sutton Valence and Brambledown in Loose Valley, Maidstone.

A wide range of two bedroom apartments and three, four and five bedroom houses are also currently available across our current developments.  These include Woodlands View in Hastings; Little Logmore, Dorking;  Standgrove Field, Ardingly; Lavender Fields, Isfield and The Paddock in Antsy. Find out more on our website: http://www.millwooddesignerhomes.co.uk/