Survey reveals concerns about the quality and price of new build homes in the UK

Almost a quarter of people in Britain are concerned about the quality of new build homes and also believe they lack character compared with older homes, new research has found.

Overall, some 24% consider a lack of quality of build to be a major disadvantage of buying a new build home over an older property, according to the survey by specialist residential warranty and commercial latent defects insurer BLP Insurance.

People living in the north of England were more likely to view a lack of quality of construction as a major disadvantage of new build homes at 29% compared to 21% living in London and the South East.

Some 26% believe that new builds lack of character, 24% are concerned about the size of rooms and 21% about prices, the research also shows.

Respondents aged 16 to 24 see cost as the biggest disadvantage of buying a new build home while respondents over the age of 55 think cost is the least important factor with the lack of character the main drawback of buying a new build.

The survey also revealed that 29% of people do not believe there were any benefits in purchasing a new build home and those aged over 55 are especially sceptical about the advantages at 41%.

‘Poor build quality is an increasing issue in the UK housing market. As developers attempt to meet the high levels of demand for new homes, practical design and quality is being compromised,’ said Kim Vernau, chief executive officer of BLP Insurance.

‘As more and more buyers become aware of the issues that poor quality of build gives rise to, all parties involved in the construction of new homes will have to respond, taking greater responsibility and ensuring quality of the build process going forward,’ he added.