Buying a home is a big step, and everyone wants to make the right choice. One of the first big decisions you must make is whether you want to buy an old home or opt for a new build property. There are advantages and disadvantages of both options, and it is just a matter of personal preference which one you should go for. Here are some pros and cons of each – new home versus old; which one is for you?
Size Matters
Houses built many years ago are usually two to three stories high, built from stone or brick with solid foundations. Homes built in modern times have timber frames, and many are apartments or bungalows with an open plan layout.
Often older period houses have larger rooms than new builds, but fewer of them. Modern homes have en-suites, large kitchen diners, and utility rooms due to the way we live now. The kitchen is the focal point of most families’ lives, and a large chunk of a new build’s footprint is devoted to it. Modern kitchens need space to house modern appliances such as dishwashers, wine coolers, double ovens, colossal fridge freezers, and washing machines. The addition of a utility room provided even more space to put some of these appliances.
Shiny and New
The significant advantage of moving into a new home is the fact that everything is shiny, unused, and new. Nothing beats walking into a brand new kitchen with sparkling countertops and shiny appliances or a bathroom with a pristine white suite. When moving into an old house, you don’t know how many people have used the toilet before you or how many meals have been cooked in the oven. No matter how much elbow grease you put into cleaning an old house, it will never have the appeal of walking into an immaculate abode. So if this has you convinced that a new home is for you and you have no intention of considering an old property, get online and look at Surprise AZ Homes for sale or other new builds in your region.
A Bit of Character
Many people prefer older homes because they believe that they have more character than newer homes. This can often be true as some period homes have beautiful open fireplaces, ornate ceiling moldings, dumb waiters, carved wooden paneling, sash or stained glass windows, window shutters, storm doors, wrought iron railings, wooden floorboards, and sweeping staircases. Modern builds tend to have clean lines and simple, square rooms.
However, with a bit of imagination, the character can be injected into a new build with some clever design tweaks. Reclaimed wood can be used for flooring, wooden shutters can be installed, a touch of warmth and coziness can be created by the addition of a log-burning stove or living flame gas fireplace, and faux cornicing or paneling can make walls and ceilings look regally ornate.
Beautifully Matured
Old homes are usually surrounded by giant trees and hedges and areas of developed vegetation. The gardens are well established with great soil and plenty of plants and flowers. The soil used in the gardens around new builds isn’t usually high quality, and it may be challenging to grow vegetation. Many new developments can seem a bit plain and sparse because the plants and trees haven’t had time to develop. When you move into a freshly built home, you may have only a patch of sand or soil for a backyard with a wooden boundary fence. You will have to start the garden from scratch by laying turf or planting grass seed and planting some trees, bushes, and plants. New neighborhoods are rarely leafy ones unless the purchased plots are built on woodland.
Shades of Green
Global warming is a huge issue today. The future of the planet is under threat if we do not cut down our carbon footprint. Older homes are at a disadvantage if they are not upgraded sufficiently to make them more environmentally friendly.
Single glazed windows and doors like those often present in old homes can cause a property to lose heat at a rapid rate during winter and use up unnecessary energy trying to retain cool air during the summer months. Heating systems are often dated and not very green, and the insulation may be non-existent.
When you move into a brand new home, you can be safe in the knowledge that your carbon footprint has been somewhat reduced. The heating and cooling systems and insulation in new properties are totally up to date and use the very latest innovations such as solar-powered heating. The appliances included in the sale will also be highly energy-efficient.
Keep It Up
Every property requires a bit of TLC to keep it looking good, prevent deterioration, and maintain its market value. Old properties require a more significant amount of attention than new ones as at some point they will need windows and doors replaced, broken roof tiles fixed and leaks sealed, gutterings and drains cleared, cracks in walls filled and painted, heating systems updated, and gardens trimmed back and tidied.
The maintenance on new houses is minimal as everything is brand new and some light maintenance every now and again is all that is required to keep the property looking tip-top.
Putting Down Roots
The actual building isn’t the only thing you should consider when looking for a property- you need to take into consideration where the property is located. Neighborhoods with older homes are well established and will have people who have lived there for many years, which may mean that social integration is easy. On the other hand, it may mean that you are the incomer and need to break down certain social barriers. New housing developments can be great if you want to make new friends as everyone is new and often keen to share their experience of buying a new build. It can be great for young families wanting to put down roots and start a community.
There is no right or wrong choice when it comes to deciding between old and new properties. The best thing to do is to view examples of both, write a list of needs and wants, and see which home steals your heart and head.