New build vs traditional

[Property Admin]

When we first started to consider buying a house, we were pretty adamant that we'd be looking for a period or traditional property.

However, we're currently renting in a new build, and having looked around a few developments there's some real imagination in a lot of new build developments these days, producing house with real character - rather than "lego houses" as my girlfriend calls the traditional brick box style.

Now new builds are an accepted option and possibility, but do you feel that you should aim for just new builds, or just traditional properties - or are you open to eithe option as well?

[brian]

Personally I think it's really important to keep all options open - new build, old built, and other factors, too.

For example, I'm primarily looking for a 4 bedroom house if I can. However, I'm still keeping an eye out on 3 bedroom houses as well, as some have a room that could be easily converted to a 4th bedroom, and I'd hate to keep these out of the running by searching too narrow.

[OneofaKind]

I'm inclined to agree with Brian.

It also depends on where you live. For instance there are areas where there are very few new builders and others e.g. the "new towns" where there is mass development.

In the former you would be very limited looking just at new builds, in the latter its a completely different scenario.

[homes@preschan.com]

If you are looking for new build houses maybe we are what you are looking for. Eco friendly homes and fast. www.preschan.com

[brian]

Eco-friendly homes are a great idea - but please try and slow down on the self-promos here.

Also, your website looks pretty awful - would you like me to set up my company to build you a professional-looking one?

[ninikins]

New houses really can have a lot to offer. Period houses, if looked after correctly and treated with care, however, can offer something a new build just can't.

[brian]

The trouble with traditional houses is there's a real limitation on availability as well. I'm noticing that anything relatively mid-range and traditional barely lasts a couple of weeks on the Scottish markets, whereas new builds can take months to shift. Also, the traditionals are often "offers over" which tends to inflate the buying offers made.

So, the lesson is, if the property market is in a cool phase, and you can invest in a traditional property in a good tourist area (ie, Scottish highlands, especially near population centers such as Inverness), then you could be looking at a great investment for when the markets get hot again.

2c.

[sweet_mayhem]

my options are definitely open for both kinds but if we're talking about my own house or my primary home, i am definitely looking for a new build.

[tickeverybox]

Recent report suggested that new build homes offer less floor space than homes of the 1930's. Developers cramming houses onto limited land results in small houses!!

[vicki2]

I think it's less space but you do get some energy considerations that are expensive to place in older homes. I always go for older just because I like more character so I'm willing to put up with higher energy bills.