Book a Property Valuation
logo

New Builds vs. Traditional Homes

Posted on: Friday, July 22, 2022

Old vs. New; the timeless debate where houses are no exception. There’s no right or wrong answer, as both new builds and traditional builds come with their lists of pros and cons - so we’ve broken it down below for you to decide: 

 

Pros of purchasing a traditional property

A previously owned house has history and quirks which give the home its charm and character, they also will most likely have improvements and upgrades made by the previous owner. Most traditional homes offer larger gardens, as for previous generations, there was less of a need to take advantage of all the available space on the plot. This can also apply to the bedrooms as built-in wardrobes weren’t always a trend. There will already be a sense of community when you move into a well-established area, and a traditional build will have all the needed local amenities and businesses nearby. Read our blog on six things to look for when purchasing an old property.

 

Cons of purchasing a traditional property

Unfortunately, you won’t be able to start from fresh. You may find yourself painting over bright walls and laying new carpets. Traditional properties can be costly to update to current legislations, such as the new standardized EPC rating coming into play from 2025, which many traditional properties will need altering to meet. Purchasing a traditional property usually comes with a chain of other transactions due to having a previous owner, which makes the sale more likely to fall through.

 

Traditional properties can be costly to update to current legislations

 

Pros of buying a new build

New build properties have the advantage of being up to date as they comply with all current regulations, whereas existing properties must constantly be adapted to adhere to changes in legislation. If you’ve always wanted to design your own space, a new build is the way to go. You won’t have to worry about tearing off layers of wallpaper or pulling up old carpets, the house is yours to plan as you wish.  As new builds come without a previous owner, you won’t have a chain of buyers above you, which makes for a smooth and stress-free transaction with no waiting around for the next move.

 

Cons of buying a new build

Although new builds offer a modern brand-new feel, some would argue that they lack character and don’t blend into their surroundings as seamlessly as traditional properties. A home which has no previous owner means you will be the first to undergo any trials and errors, which can be challenging if the build has any faults, and you also won’t have the advantage of enjoying any improvements made by a previous owner. A lack of an established community means possibly fewer local businesses and helpful neighbours who know the area well. 

 

New build properties have the advantage of being up to date as they comply with all current regulations

 

Contact us

The Guild offers a stunning range of properties both new build and traditional build. So whatever your preference, one of our Guild Members will be able to find your perfect home! 

 

 

What Our
Clients Say

"

I would highly recommend Hardings. Their knowledge of the local area is outstanding, and they give honest and reliable advice. They have always been my partner of choice when buying and selling.

Rhiannon Prothero

"

Have used Hardings for many year on both personal and commercial property deals. Have always found them to be transparent, honest, authentic, and a pleasure to work with. Will continue to use in the future.

TB

"

I would highly recommend Hardings Estate Agents. They have excellent knowledge of Windsor and the surrounding areas, and are extremely professional, responsive and courteous. I would not hesitate to using them again the future. I recently dealt with Milica who was instrumental in securing us our new home in Windsor as well as the sale of our existing property. She was a fab negotiator and a real pleasure to work with from beginning to end. Thank you!

Jonathon Beresford

"

Hardings of Windsor managed our purchase with complete professionalism and went over and above in my opinion to manage the transaction and chain, resulting in a really smooth purchase. Milica at Hardings constantly provided timely updates and managed respective solicitors and the chain effectively, always responding quickly to queries. The whole transaction would not have happened without Milicas' focus on making all parties comfortable and satisfying all queries, not only professional but a delightful and welcoming personal approach that was a constant throughout. Thanks Hardings! Thanks Milica!

Stuart Blatch

"

I would recommend using Hardings estate agents when buying or selling your property. Dominic (Scully) was always available, helpful and genuinely interested in my purchase and always calm and compassionate. If I ever move again my first choice will be Hardings.

Cath Powell

"

Dom and the team at Hardings were so helpful and efficient when I purchased my flat - friendly and professional service and kept us up-to-date the whole way through the process. It was my first time buying and so was very nervous but they helped me feel at ease.

Freppell

"

We bought and sold through Hardings and can't recommend their professional service enough. The whole Team are really lovely, we were kept informed throughout the process and never had to chase anything.

Natalie Quint

"

I used Hardings when I bought my property as well as when I sold it and the service has been fantastic both times. I very much recommend Hardings!

Therese Jouini

"

We recently purchased our new home with Hardings Estate Agents. The whole team there were very helpful and flexible with us, arranging viewings quickly on the same day. They were always quick to respond and if ever our point of contact was not there, the service did not change as they work well together as a team. We received a personalised service, which allowed the sale to proceed quickly. Thank you all and we recommend Hardings Estate Agents without hesitation.

Mike B

"

What a pleasure it was to deal with Milica from Hardings. She sourced the perfect property for me and my family (while we were still abroad) and worked endlessly to put the deal together. I would give more than 5 stars if at all possible!

C D

"

Fantastic customer service and made what could have been stressful a total breeze. Dominic and Louisa were brilliant in helping me and my parents buy and sell our houses - reliable, helpful and thoughtful. Thank you!

Eloise Harris

"

Thank you, Dominic and Louisa - having not moved for over 30 years you helped me all the way, step by step. You were always polite, communicative, reassuring and very supportive. Would recommend Hardings wholeheartedly.

Anna Bowen
How Much is Your Property Worth?

How Much is Your Property Worth?

A senior member of our sales team will visit your property to discuss current market trends and how your home; based on size, condition and location should be pitched to achieve the best possible price and buyer. Coupled with an excellent understanding of the local market we do a detailed analysis of what else has sold and what is coming onto the market so we can give you the best chance to capitalise on your biggest asset.

Book a Valuation