Of all the questions that we ask ourselves when seeking a new home, few can seem more pressing than whether we want an old property or a new build. These two kinds of homes offer incredibly different lifestyles, and the experiences of living in each couldn’t be more varied.
For first-time buyers and old house-hunting heads alike, a newly built property that’s freshly developed and ready to live in right away can be tempting. But, for some of us, nothing can itch that homely home scratch better than an older property that’s already been lived in and loved. Keep on reading to find out three sure signs that you could easily thrive in an older property.
# 1 - Character features make your heart sing
Character features including wooden beams, large open fireplaces, and even thatched roofs, are often the most charming things about an older property. After all, these additions are great from a decor standpoint and can help to add a comforting, homely vibe without you needing to do anything to achieve it. What’s more, character features are pretty much exclusive to old properties. As such, if you can’t get enough of character, then older will probably be best.
# 2 - You’re not afraid of upkeep
Older homes generally require more upkeep for the simple fact that the materials have been around for longer. Perhaps most obviously, the majority of old homes experience some level of dampness, requiring ongoing efforts including regular airing and even a damp-proof course to keep the issue at bay. Equally, old houses with additions like thatch roofing will need a ridge replacement from a company like Simply Thatch every 10-15 years to stay looking fresh and functioning as they should. For some homebuyers, these ongoing considerations can feel overwhelming. But, if you’re not running a mile at the idea of having to spend your savings to keep your house looking good, then you could be the ideal candidate for an older property.
# 3 - You want a home you can trust
There’s a false belief that new builds are more trustworthy because they’re fresh, new, and untouched by issues like rising dampness. However, new properties are also untested, and tend to be made with cheap materials. By comparison, despite a few potential issues that you’ll know about going in, an older property will already have lasted 100 years or more. This is a great sign that you can trust things like the materials and foundations in place, even if they’re not in ideal condition when you move in. As such, if you want a home that you can last for many years to come, an older property is almost always a better option.
Finding the ideal property for your needs can be incredibly personal, and a dream home for one person might feel like a nightmare for another. Certainly, an older property that may require work and tender loving care isn’t for everyone. But, if these points speak to you, then older might be best, after all.