Top five reasons for buying a new-build property

HOMEBUILDER Barratt Homes is urging buyers across Derbyshire to consider the cost and lifestyle advantages of owning a new-build home by outlining its top five reasons for buying new.

Sales director Jan Ruston said: "New-build homes rival older properties in a number of ways, some of which buyers may not be aware of."

Here are Barratt's top reasons for choosing new-build over old:

1. Energy efficiency: New build homes are installed with the latest energy-saving measures, which can mean lower gas and electricity bills. In fact, Barratt has calculated that new homes are up to 50% more efficient than similar Victorian properties

2. Safety and security: Purchasers can be sure that homebuilders like Barratt will adhere to the latest building regulations which set standards on everything from fire-safety to ventilation and from electrical safety to quality of workmanship. New-build homes are also often more secure, using the latest security locks and sometimes intercom systems.

3. Low maintenance: Not only are new-build homes free from any niggling DIY issues but every new Barratt home comes with an industry leading five-year fixtures and fittings warranty on top of the standard 10-year NHBC warranty.

4. Less stress: Buying direct from a homebuilder can make the house moving process easier, particularly with schemes such as part-exchange and Movemaker. With Movemaker, Barratt will instruct an estate agent on your behalf who will manage all the valuations, viewings and enquiries for you. They'll even pay the estate agent fees.

5. The personal touch: One of the most exciting things about buying new is that you don't have to do any re-decoration before you move in. A new home is a blank canvas on which home owners can stamp their individual mark. And if you purchase a Barratt Home early in the build process, you can even personalise it with extras from the exclusive Choices range.