Whether you’re taking your first step on the property ladder or upsizing to a new property, it can be tough to make the call between a new-build or a second-hand home. The price of choosing a second hand home over a new build can cost as much as £50,000 in repairs and furnishings*, but the up-front costs can sometimes be much less expensive.
For young homeowners, Steve and Kelly Woodhouse, it was a spur-of-the-moment visit to Meadow Gardens’ marketing suite that inspired them to buy a new-build property. Steve, a 32-year old animator, and Kelly, a 28-year old videographer, long had hopes of upgrading after buying an apartment in Great Dunmow for their first home, but never expected to move from a flat to a four-bedroom house.
Explaining the benefits of buying their new-build home, Steve commented: “After living in an apartment, we were always keen to get more for our money with our next home and push our investment that little bit further, but we didn’t imagine that visiting Kelly’s mum would lead to a deposit on a four-bed!”
On their first visit to Meadow Gardens, Linden Homes’ only Thaxted development of three, four and five bedroom properties, Steve and Kelly decided to put down a deposit after learning that buying a new-build would minimise the wait for their next home:
“We only looked at one property and knew instantly that it was our dream home. We were looking for a detached property in a lovely, quiet location, so Thaxted’s historic location in the countryside fitted our remit perfectly.”
Making the decision to buy a new-build directly from Linden Homes meant Steve and Kelly weren’t delayed by a chain of buyers, and they didn’t have to wait for the previous owner to move out. Mr and Mrs Woodhouse avoided any further delays by making the most of Linden Homes’ Part Exchange scheme, an incentive the housebuilder offers on many of its new-build properties:
“Using the Part Exchange scheme meant Linden purchased our apartment and helped us greatly with the acquisition logistics. We were able to seek advice from them about the scheme, and it meant selling our previous home was significantly less stressful than if we’d decided to go it alone.”
Buying a new-build home can also reduce the amount of repairs and damages that are sometimes incurred when investing in a second-hand property, which particularly impressed Steve:
“We found that there was a very small snagging list with our new-build home, and any outstanding issues were taken care of very quickly. We developed a great relationship with our lead construction contacts, and even now, three months after we’ve moved in, they still keep us updated with developments on site. Moving into a new development, we instantly felt part of the community: the neighbourhood is great, everyone’s really friendly and the age range is really varied.”
The Meadow Gardens houses have a dual advantage of a village environment along with a straightforward commute to the capital, being only five and a half miles from Elsenham station where direct trains run to London Liverpool Street.
Renowned for its quirky features, including the oldest Church spire in the U.K, the restored, eye-catching Windmill and infamous Morris dancing tradition, Thaxted offers a peaceful alternative to the hectic buzz of a city.
Steve found his experience of buying a new-build home wholly positive:
“Upsizing from an apartment, we weren’t used to all the space we have now, and the layout of the property is great. It’s really exciting to have a totally blank canvas, and we’re looking forward to slowly filling it with things we love and making it our own.”
A selection of two, three, four and five bedroom homes are still available to buy at Meadow Gardens.
-ENDS-
**Data from Why buy new? Home Buyers intentions and opinions, a report by the Home Builders Federation
Media can contact Chantel Richman on 0203 697 7657 or Alice Simpson on 01962 893 907 for more information, images and interviews with Linden Homes.
References to “we”, “us” or “our” are to the part of the Vistry Group (including Linden Homes, Bovis Homes, Countryside Homes, Drew Smith, Vistry Ventures or one of Vistry’s joint venture companies) from which you are intending to purchase a new home. References to "you” and “your” are to the prospective buyer or buyers of a new home from us.
All images are used for illustrative purposes only and are representative only. They may not be the same as the actual home you purchase and the specification may differ. Images may be of a slightly different model of home and may include optional upgrades and extras which involve additional cost. Individual features such as windows, brick, carpets, paint and other material colours may vary and also the specification of fittings may vary. Any furnishings and furniture are not included in any sale. Please check with our sales consultants for details of the exact specifications available at the development(s) for each type of home and the associated prices.
