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The Daily Insight

Why are new builds bad investments?

Author

Mia Lopez

Updated on March 10, 2026

Because new homes are built with new materials, when you buy a new home you pay the entire market value of the retail. For an investor, buying a product at market value is not an ideal starting point to invest. Hence, this could deter many from buying new homes. Remember, the trade-off with money is time.

Are new houses a bad investment?

New construction homes are a good strategy for investors looking for growth. Investing in new and emerging markets can increase your property's appreciation rate and build equity faster. Appreciation is never a guarantee so make sure you perform a competitive market analysis before buying.

Why buying new construction is bad?

Con: Higher cost

The average sales price is even higher at $496,900. This is due to the use of new materials, builder scarcity, market growth and home value increases, Horner notes. Newly constructed homes tend to be more expensive not just in list price but in price per square foot as well.

Should you invest in a new build?

While there are many strategies, one of the most popular in 2022 is a new build property investment. New build houses are an attractive option for many property investors, with lower maintenance costs and supplied modern furnishings having a clear advantage over an existing property.

Why are new builds in the UK so bad?

Experts say the rush to build homes amid Britain's chronic housing shortage, and the dominance of a few big building firms that use a multitude of subcontractors, are also to blame for poor building standards.

Why I REGRET Buying A New Build House | Pros and Cons

Do new builds lose value?

New build premium pricing

Just like a new car, a new build house or flat will depreciate in price the minute you turn the key in the door. Even in a rising property market, you may not get your money back when you buy a new build home if you have to sell within a year or two.

Do new builds have lots of problems?

About 94 per cent of new-build homeowners report at least one defect once their property is complete, according to a recent poll by trade body the Home Builders Federation (HBF). Poor plastering, bad brickwork pointing and damaged windows are among the most commonly reported 'snags'.

Are new builds easy to sell?

On average, new build homes sell for 10% more than the typical home, and then there's the leasehold scandal on top. With so much to watch out for, it can spell a nightmare for any new, inexperienced buyer hoping to make it on the ladder.

Do people want new builds?

ODPM research suggests that 36 per cent of people would consider buying a newly built home.

Is it better to buy new build or old house?

More Expensive – Although new builds are usually more energy-efficient than older builds, they often sell at a higher premium so can cost more than comparable older houses. Delays – If you're waiting for your new house to be built, then you might experience delays which could affect the completion date.

What are the cons of buying a new build?

Before you start interviewing contractors and looking at lots in new subdivisions, consider these downsides to buying new construction.

  • New Houses Cost More. 1/12. ...
  • Lack of Trees. ...
  • Change Orders Are Costly. ...
  • Limited Choice of Contractors. ...
  • “Specials” Add Hundreds to Your Mortgage. ...
  • Longer Commute. ...
  • Small Lots. ...
  • Contractor Callbacks.

How long will new build houses last?

The question of how long a property should last is often debated in the construction industry. In 1992, it was suggested that new build properties should have at least a 60-year lifespan. However, just 25 years on, the Local Government Association (LGA) has stated that new-build homes should last at least 2,000 years.

Why buying a house is a bad investment?

It Blocks Up Your Cash Flow

If you purchase a home with the intent to make it your primary residence, then as an investment, your mortgage, or monthly payment, will kill your cash flow. Real estate investors who purchase a home to rent out, take rent money in and pay loan money off.

Should I build a house now or wait until 2022?

Our outlook continues to be that if you are ready and able to build then now is the best time to do it. It is anticipated that interest rates will be on a rising trend throughout 2022 and costs will continue to increase, although the cost increases will be at a more normalized rate.

Can you negotiate on a new build?

Always negotiate a new-build house price

Just because a new-build property is new, it doesn't mean the asking price is non-negotiable. You can make an offer in the same way you would if you were buying an older property. Of course, it's up to the developer if they wish to accept a lower offer or politely decline it.

Why are new builds so small?

It's in some planning requirements that there's a certain density of houses/units per area of land, which I assume was intended to address the housing shortage around here. And also the developers do make more money. Smaller developers rather than the huge homebuilders tend to be better.

How much do new build homes increase in value?

The new build 'price premium' has been well established by the press, with buyers often paying up to 15% more for a new build property. The higher price is often justified because of the lower running costs that come with a new home.

Can I add value to a new build?

A well designed, well kept garden will instantly add value to a new build home. Think about making your garden an extension of the inside of your home, creating an outdoor space fit for entertaining guests and relaxing.

Why do new builds have bricked up windows?

The window tax was a property tax based on the number of windows your home. To avoid the tax, homes from the period can be seen to have bricked-up the window apertures.

Are new builds always delayed?

Delays in new build properties are common, with less than two-thirds of new build homes completed on time, which can lead to issues. When choosing a new build home, you need to read reviews of the developer and find one with a great track record for quality property creation and great customer service.

What is the best new build company?

Barratt Developments (Winner)

  • Barratt Developments (Winner)
  • Bellway.
  • Berkeley.
  • Bovis/Vistry.
  • Keepmoat.
  • McCarthy & Stone.
  • Redrow.
  • Taylor Wimpey.

Are new builds good to live in?

Low bills – New build homes have to comply with the latest building regulations. This means they are far more energy efficient than older properties. Data from Energy Performance Certificates shows over 80% of new homes have the highest A or B ratings. That compares to just 2.2% of existing properties.

Do you pay a premium for a new build?

If you're buying a new home, the builder will typically charge something called a 'new build premium'. This means that you can expect to pay more for a new property than you would if you bought an older property of the same size/in the same area.

Is buying a house worth it 2021?

Economists expect rates to keep rising this year and next. They could go above 3.25% or even 3.5% by the end of the year. Say you buy a home worth $400,000. With a 20 percent down payment ($80,000), you have a mortgage loan amount of $320,000.