An interesting piece of research has suggested that UK homeowners prefer older properties than new builds. The questionnaire found that a growing number of property owners see newer homes as cramped, characterless and of inferior quality than older houses.
The survey conducted by the HomeOwners Alliance found that just 21% of respondents would want to buy a new-build property, with 47% wanting a home that is at least 10 years old.[1]
Low quality
38% of people questioned for the report said that they a substandard build standard quality would be the main disadvantage of owning a freshly built home. A third were not pleased about the size of rooms, with others complaining about the size of gardens and the lack of charm.
Paula Higgins of the HomeOwners alliance, feels that, ‘we need more new homes, but they have to be homes that people want to live in, not homes that are quick, easy and cheap for house builders to throw up.’[1]
‘What we need to solve the housing crisis are quality homes of character and space, and challenge the housing industry to deliver,’ Higgins continued. ‘After the war, they built homes for heroes. All we want is homes fit for home owners. Homes shouldn’t be built just for a quick profit, but to last for generations to come,’ she added.[1]
Homeowners prefer older properties
Benefits
Despite the perceived negativity, positive responses to new homes were also recorded. The biggest benefit of a new build home was found to be low maintenance costs and higher energy efficiency.
Kim Vernau of BLP insurance, stated that, ‘with activity in the construction industry on the increase as local authorities and developers attempt to meet the housing shortfall, there is a real risk that building standards will slip.’ Vernau feels that,’ consumers want peace of mind and reassurance that the home they are purchasing is fit for purpose and built to last rather than simply chasing a house-building statistic.’[1]
[1] http://www.propertywire.com/news/europe/new-homes-uk-poll-2015061810646.html