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Did you know that a new build home could save you over £500 a year in fuel costs(1)? Or that it costs an average of £22,000 to bring an old house up the standard specification of a new home(2)? With nine out of ten people still firmly believing that buying their own home is a sensible investment in their future(3), these are just two of the many benefits on offer when buying a new build property being promoted by a national campaign over the next week (12 – 20 September). A celebration of all that’s great about new homes, New Homes Week will see activities and events taking place on home builders’ sites across the country. Complementing this, a special website has also been developed offering tips and information on a wide range of subjects from mortgages and gardening to details on warranty protection and the sort of questions to ask sales advisors (www.nhw2009.co.uk). Jonathan Fair (right), Chief Executive of Homes for Scotland (the organisation which represents companies building 95% of new homes built for sale in Scotland) said: “Interest in the market is definitely increasing as demonstrated by both visitor numbers and sales. After all, with prices at their most affordable in years and a wide variety of deals and incentives still currently available, this is a fantastic time to buy. But many people might still be unfamiliar with the range of other benefits new homes can offer. For example, they are built to the latest environmental standards so not only are they are six times more energy efficient, they generate over 60 per cent less CO2 emissions than older-style homes - the equivalent of driving 10,000 miles a year less per household. Money saved on fuel bills can also help to pay for other essentials, or perhaps even some luxuries! "Buying new also means being able to move in as soon as the property is complete, reducing the stress and uncertainty that is more often associated with buying a second hand property. Your time will also be your own. With everything clean and untouched by previous owners, a new home is ready to have your own style and personality stamped on it from day one - and no repairs or renovations to worry about. There’s also a ten year guarantee for added peace of mind which you can’t get when buying second-hand.” Minister for Housing and Communities Alex Neil said: “I am pleased to add my support to New Homes Week, which is a great opportunity to highlight the options available to people and to showcase good quality, energy efficient homes. I welcome the efforts many house builders have made to offer a range of flexible options to prospective home owners, including shared equity, part exchange and rent to buy schemes. “The Scottish Government will continue to work closely with Homes for Scotland and house builders to help maintain activity in the house building sector and support economic recovery.” But, with latest statistics highlighting a one third drop in the number of private new homes started in Scotland, Fair warned of the widening gap between demand and supply and called on the Scottish Government to take further action on this if the risk of a return to rampant house price inflation brought about by a increase in the lack of homes is to be avoided in future. Ends Enquiries to: Jennifer Kennedy, Homes for Scotland – 0131 455 8350 Notes to Editors: Homes for Scotland represents the country’s home building industry which, prior to the onset of the credit crunch,:
With half the industry's directly employed jobs already lost and much new development across the country still effectively on hold, Scottish new build housing output has now plummeted. This is having far-reaching and long-term social and economic consequences. Browse this website for further market commentary and information on the action and support Homes for Scotland is calling on from both the UK and Scottish Governments.
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