New builds 'could be easier to sell'

Posted: 06 Feb 2008 11:44:24 GMT

New properties could be easier to sell on in the future because they are build to more contemporary standards and therefore could potentially appeal to more people.

New properties could be easier to sell on in the future because they are build to more contemporary standards and therefore could potentially appeal to more people.

John Slaughter, director of external affairs at the Home Builders Federation, said that new properties are created to fit in with modern home requirements.

"The industry is doing lots of good things - we are building homes to much higher standards of energy efficiency under current building regulations than older homes, and they are designed more for the modern lifestyle than older properties," he said.

Such energy efficient measures could pay off when it comes to selling a building, as the energy performance certificate forms part of the now mandatory home information packs.

In addition, newer properties tend to make better use of space and offer a simple design, Mr Slaughter pointed out.

"Research showed that in the older style designs, separate rooms like dining rooms weren't used very much and so in terms of layout of the homes now, they are going to be more in tune with contemporary lifestyles," he explained.

"We always say that a new home is like a blank canvas to a large extent," Mr Slaughter went on. "You have more scope to adapt the home in the exact way that you want post-purchase and I think that is something a lot of people value."

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