Although 90% of new build home owners would buy a new build again, according to the HBF New Homes Survey, misconceptions and negative press continue to haunt the sector. The latest survey suggests that build quality remains the primary concern.
Nearly a quarter (24%) of people consider a lack of quality of build to be a major disadvantage of buying a new build home over an older property, according to a recent survey by BLP Insurance, a specialist residential warranty and commercial latent defects insurer.
People living in the north of England (29%) were more likely to view a lack of quality of construction as a major disadvantage of new build homes compared to those people living in London and the south east (21%).
Other disadvantages of new builds identified by respondents included lack of character (26%), the size of rooms (24%), and price (21%). Respondents aged 16-24 see cost (32%) as the biggest disadvantage of buying a new build home while respondents over the age of 55 think cost (18%) is the least important factor with the lack of character (30%) the principal drawback of buying a new build.
The survey also revealed that 29% of people do not believe there were any benefits in purchasing a new build home; those over 55 are especially sceptical about the advantages (41%).
Kim Vernau, CEO of BLP Insurance, said, “Poor build quality is an increasing issue in the UK housing market. As developers attempt to meet the high levels of demand for new homes, practical design and quality is being compromised. As more and more buyers become aware of the issues that poor quality of build gives rise to, all parties involved in the construction of new homes will have to respond, taking greater responsibility and ensuring quality of the build process going forward.”
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