Choose your home with confidence
Buying a home is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make. But first, you need to decide whether to choose a new build or a resale property.
Here’s how new build homes and older properties compare on the factors that matter most, so you can find the right home for you.
How new build and resale homes compare
| Factor | New Build | Resale |
| Cost | Purchase price includes a modern specification; incentives can also reduce the financial load | Often needs immediate spending on repairs or upgrades on top of the purchase price |
| Maintenance | Covered by a 10-year structural warranty; new systems and appliances reduce early repair risk | No structural warranty; older wiring, plumbing and roofing may need replacing sooner at the buyer’s expense |
| Chain risk | No upward chain, as you buy directly from the housebuilder | Usually part of a chain, increasing the risk of delay or the sale falling through |
| Longevity | Built to current regulations; energy-efficient by design | Proven track record, having stood the test of time |
New builds: What comes as standard
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10-year NHBC warrantyStructural cover on every new build home from legal completion.
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Current Building RegulationsInsulation and energy efficiency standards that resale properties were never required to meet, helping you save on energy bills.
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Chain-free by defaultBuying from the housebuilder, not another homeowner.
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More ways to buyFinancial incentives that support you on the buying journey, wherever you are on the road.
FAQs
Is a new build more expensive than a resale property?
New builds can command a premium on the purchase price, but often include a fitted kitchen, bathroom, flooring and energy-efficient appliances as standard, whereas a resale property may need renovations or upgrades, which can be costly, on top of the purchase price.
What warranty do you get with a new build home?
New build homes come with a 10-year NHBC warranty (or an equivalent provider), covering major structural defects from the date of legal completion. Resale properties carry no such warranty, so any structural issues become the buyer’s responsibility.
Can a new build purchase fall through?
It’s less likely, since buying from a housebuilder means there’s no chain above you. But delays can still happen; for example, if your own sale is part of a chain, you’re relying on a mortgage offer that takes longer than expected, or you’re buying off-plan and construction timelines shift.
Are new build homes more energy-efficient than older properties?
Yes – new builds are constructed to current Building Regulations, with modern insulation, glazing and heating standards that older properties were never required to meet.
Do new builds hold their value as well as resale properties?
Both can hold value well, but for different reasons. New builds benefit from modern specifications and lower running costs, while resale properties in established areas often have a longer track record of price growth.
