Busting 7 myths about new build homes
There are many misconceptions about new builds that can be offputting for homebuyers looking for their dream home. We thought we’d address these myths head-on and help demystify new builds.
When you consider how overwhelming the buying process can be, it can be hard to decipher between the myths and know whether a home is actually right for you.
Exploring new build misconceptions
Home buying trends come and go, and houses that were built in different decades all have their own looks. Regency-style Georgian or Victorian homes are unlike the buildings of the 20s and 30s, which all differ from our new builds. This change in styles and building methods has led to different opinions on which homes are ‘better’ than others. But the answer will always depend on you and your circumstances.
However, this can be hard to keep in mind when you open social media and you’re met with complaints about new build homes. From their appearance and quality to the developers themselves, it can be hard to avoid negativity when you hear misconceptions about a type of home you’d like to buy.
What we need to remember is that every home was a new build at some point. Older properties that have been standing for decades have been maintained and modernised many times, contributing to their longevity. And yet, those who move into a period property may also find issues, whether due to poor workmanship carried out over the years, or natural wear and tear.
The quality of a house will depend on a number of factors. We at Persimmon do all we can to make sure that your home is safe, secure and comfortable.
7 new build home myths - debunked
We’ve heard from our customers, read the news and scrolled through social media, compiling the misconceptions that prevent people from buying a new build. We’re breaking down the top seven myths, shedding some light on where they’ve come from, and how they can often be debunked.
Myth 1: all new homes are poor quality
Let’s start with what is likely the most popular myth - that all new build homes are poor quality. That they’re not ‘built to last’ like older properties.
The key thing to remember here is that property defects are not limited to a certain type of home. These issues don’t have an age range and apply to homes both old and new. Think of the families who have all lived in one home - and the maintenance they had to do to look after it.
A lot goes into building a new home, and there are strict regulations in place for the contractors, builders and suppliers behind them.
We take pride in our new build homes. As part of the Persimmon Way (our internal guidance protocol) we strive to provide high-quality homes that are built to the latest regulations, with each stage of construction undergoing thorough inspections. We abide by the New Build Quality Code, and have received a 5-star rating from the Home Builders Federation (HBF).
Snags – minor problems or cosmetic issues – can happen, and our customer care and site teams are committed to helping you resolve these in a timely manner. And for other potential issues, every new home has a 2-year Persimmon warranty, where we enforce any warranties provided by the manufacturers for fixtures and fittings in your home, plus an every new home comes with a 10-year structural warranty and insurance policy.
Myth 2: they’re not energy efficient
Homeowners are paying more attention to the environment and the running costs of their homes and at Persimmon, energy efficiency is the cornerstone of what we do.
Like many other new builds, we’ve designed our homes to be warm and cosy all year round, with thick insulation, energy-efficient appliances and double glazing to reduce heat loss. Features like these are part of the reason why a study from the HBF found that you could save hundreds, even thousands of pounds each year in energy bills with a new build compared to an older home.
Our Eco Range in particular come with additional sustainable features like solar panels, EV charging and thermal-efficient floors, producing 61% less carbon than old properties.
Looking to the future, we’re enhancing forward-thinking heating technology by installing more energy-efficient solutions such as Air Source Heat Pumps, in line with the goals of the The Future Homes and Buildings Standard. We’re also aiming to build our net zero carbon homes by 2030, and be fully net zero in terms of our operations by 2040.
Our focus on sustainability extends to the local environment. We’re known for building welcoming communities - for both our customers and the creatures that also make them their homes. As part of our commitment to the Homes for Nature Pledge, we create habitats for wildlife, including installing hedgehog highways and bird next bricks. We also plant wildflowers to encourage biodiversity, and have a focus on recycling operational waste wherever possible.
Myth 3: new builds are bland
Another popular myth is that new build homes lack personality compared to an older property where you might find existing character features. One look at our Facebook at Instagram pages can dispel this myth easily - our homebuyers have created the most welcoming, vibrant homes and consistently inspire us with their interior design skills and stylish home-making.
At Persimmon, we take a blank canvas approach to the properties we build, giving you a chance to fully customise your home to suit you. Our homeowners can choose a house style that suits them, from bungalows and apartments and from practical starter homes to spacious 5-beds. You'll also find different styles of homes across different regions, from Cotswold stone to red brick and colourful finishes.
Right from the outset, you'll have the ability to make your home feel like yours! This starts with our range of Finishing Touches options and upgrades. From the style of your kitchen to the types of flooring, to bathroom tiles and built-in storage, you can choose the look and feel of your home before you even move in. Want a country-inspired kitchen? Go for shaker doors and brass fixtures. A splash of colour in the bathroom? Choose from an eye-catching range of patterns and shades.
When you move in, you’ll have the perfect backdrop to infuse your home with personality. Whether you love characterful farmhouse interiors or a kaleidoscope of colour, a new build gives you the opportunity to put your own stamp on your home without removing what’s already there.
If you’re in search of inspiration, just head over to our Instagram page and the #LoveMyPersimmonHome hashtag for a look at how creative Persimmon homeowners are transforming their spaces.
Myth 4: there’s no community
We’re known for building more than homes - we build communities. When you move into your home, all your neighbours will be new too. You’ll be sharing your development with other families, first time buyers and downsizers, all of whom are in the same boat. Everyone gets to experience their new Persimmon home together, consulting each other on everything from Christmas decorations to local events.
Each housing development is a hive of activity, with neighbours becoming friends for life. Woods Meadow, for example, often organise local Easter Egg hunts, BBQs and street parties. Some of the strongest communities and friendships are forged on new build developments.
But it’s not just up to our customers to build a sense of community. All new build homes must comply with Section 106 of the UK’s planning obligations. This means that developers need to consider the local environment and impact their plots may have, as well as how they can contribute to community infrastructure i.e. roads and waterways.
We make sure to contribute to funding community amenities to ensure everyone benefits from a Persimmon development. As part of our contributions in 2023, we:
- Funded over 500 schools
- Contributed £6.6 million towards public transport
- Contributed £715,041 towards community facilities
Each of our regional businesses also makes donations every month to local causes for our long-standing Community Champions programme. These include organisations such as sports groups, charities, schools and colleges and many more.
Myth 5: they’re more expensive
Persimmon builds value-for-money homes, designed for modern living. When it comes to the upfront costs of buying a home, we offer a range of schemes to help make your move more affordable – that you often won’t find with an existing property.
Schemes such as Deposit Unlock mean you could buy a home with just a 5% deposit, our Shared Ownership scheme offers a part-rent, part-buy solution that can help you on the ladder faster, and Part Exchange and Home Change can save you money on estate agent fees. Get in touch with your chosen development to find out more about available options.
On top of that, lots of our new build house styles include features that you won’t necessarily find in older homes, such as open-plan living spaces, en suites, utility rooms and parking spaces – meaning homeowners avoid the cost of adding these in.
But modernisation isn’t the only thing owners of older homes might need to budget for. Period properties can be expensive when it comes to maintenance and repairs, with issue such as leaking roofs, faulty wiring or plumbing and damp. All costs you’ll save on within the warranty period with a new home.
As we mentioned before, there’s also the money you’ll save on energy bills. Modern features such as enhanced insulation, energy-efficient heating systems and new appliances mean it costs significantly less to run a new build compared to an older property.
Myth 6: you can’t use your loft
While many new builds come with a loft, you’re generally not able to use them. If you have a lot of possessions to pack, then this could be seen as off-putting as you’ll likely be concerned about storage space.
With Persimmon, this one is actually true - but there’s a good reason. The lofts in our homes are not designed for storage, but ventilation. Your loft will have thick insulation panels that help keep your home warm and comfortable all year round, while reducing your energy bills. Using your loft can reduce this thickness and decrease overall energy efficiency. You can still access your loft, you just can’t use it for storage.
If you’re concerned about the size of your home without your loft, keep reading!
Myth 7: they’re too small to live in
Many think new build homes will be too small to live in but the range of house styles we offer means there’s a style to suit everyone – whether you’re looking for a manageable space for your first home, or a spacious family-home with multi-purpose living areas and dedicated spaces for working, dining and relaxing. Just take a look at our four-bedroom and five-bedroom homes to see open-plan modern living at its best.
Our homes come in different sizes and floorplans, often including space-saving features such as built-in storage cupboards and utility rooms. And, with our Finishing Touches, you’ll have more options to incorporate storage in the form of built-in wardrobes and home offices.
That said, there are benefits to a more compact home, if that’s what you choose. You’ll be able to enjoy lower heating costs and have a space that’s easier to maintain.
If you have a smaller home and want to create the feeling of more space, there are plenty of ways to do this. Colour-blocking, hidden storage and cleverly positioned mirrors and lights can all make your home feel more spacious than it already is. We can assist you with these decisions as part of our Finishing Touches, and you can also read our guides for inspiration:
Are new builds worth it?
New build homes are certainly worth it. They're customisable, energy efficient and more affordable in the long run, and really allow you to immerse yourself in a new community. Like any home, potential issues or misconceptions will depend on the developer and house type - even old properties can be a hassle for their owners. The trick is to do your research and speak to the developer, ensuring that you’re confident with your choice and feel supported throughout your journey.
Persimmon are happy to help you find your perfect home. From robust quality checks and plenty of support pre- and post-move to customisation options that help create your dream home, you won’t regret moving into one of our new builds.
Find your home here or speak to our team about your buying journey.
