Buyers beware of new-build home headaches - Mortgages, Money - The Independent

Buyers beware of new-build home headaches - Mortgages, Money - The Independent

A brand new home is top of many people's wish list, and now that hard-pressed developers are pushing to sell their new-build properties there are plenty of attractive deals to help first-time buyers (FTBs).

But despite the potential to get that foot on the ladder, the potential pitfalls with new-build developments are numerous, and, with lenders still wary, experts are warning buyers to tread carefully.
The appeal of a new-build home, particularly if you're an FTB, is clear – you get a low-maintenance, modern home that is typically more energy-efficient than a resale property and therefore cheaper to run. If you buy early enough, you may even have a say in the fixtures and fittings, with no need for any dreaded DIY. Crucially, there is no onward chain to scupper your purchase which is a huge problem for buyers in the current climate.