Save money and time with a new home in Hailsham

The majority of people vastly under-estimate how much they’d need to spend to bring an older second hand property up to the same standards as a brand new home.

New research by UK housebuilder Redrow Homes – currently building homes at Willow Gardens in Hailsham – shows many people expect to spend far less than it would actually cost; and almost half have no idea how much to set aside.

One in five of those surveyed thought up to £5,000 would be sufficient when, in reality, Redrow has demonstrated that it could cost as much as £30,000* to bring an old property up to the same standard as one of their brand new homes.

Those questioned lived in homes built between the pre-1900s to 1979; two-thirds had carried out DIY work in the last 18 months and a third said there were currently jobs which needed doing. Where work was required, a massive 63% had no money set aside to cover the costs.

Of those who’d undertaken DIY in the last 18 months, almost half had painted and decorated, 7% had replaced their bathroom and 5% had installed a new kitchen. Some 12% said repairs, maintenance or home improvements were “ongoing”.

Kim Peters, group sales and marketing director for Redrow, said: “It’s clear from our research that home owners are spending a lot of time and money on maintaining or improving an older second hand property. People often buy an old house to ‘fix up’ because they think they can’t afford a brand new one, but our figures show it can be a false economy.

“We’ve calculated that installing a new kitchen and bathrooms, redecorating throughout, installing a new heating system, replacing windows and other items in a typical three-bedroom home could easily add up to £30,000.”

A brand new Redrow home is also up to 40% more efficient than one built only 10 years ago, so potentially cheaper to run over time; it includes integrated appliances covered by manufacturers’ two-year guarantees; and comes with an NHBC 10-year ‘Buildmark’ warranty.

Those worried about the very ‘newness’ of a new home will be pleasantly surprised by Redrow’s New Heritage Collection, which features traditional looking Arts & Crafts inspired homes.

“We recognise that people want modern, family friendly, open plan layouts, high quality fixtures and fittings and the latest kitchen and bathroom designs inside; but outside they want to see a home with lots of character. Our New Heritage Collection has been designed to provide the best of both worlds, with homes proudly built by dedicated craftsmen,” Kim adds.

The evidence can be seen at Willow Gardens. As well as reaping all of these benefits, buying new lets you take advantage of developer incentives such as part exchange or HomeBuy.

For those who need to sell up before moving in, a beautiful four-bedroom Ruthin home is available with the option to part exchange. Priced at £299,950, it comes complete with flooring and turf to the rear garden. Part exchange means Redrow will effectively act as your cash buyer, so there’s no risk of getting stuck in a chain and no estate agent’s fees to pay.

Alternatively, purchasers of selected three-bedroom homes at Willow Gardens could take advantage of HomeBuy, which provides an equity loan for up to 30% of the purchase price, jointly funded by Redrow and the Homes & Communities Agency. Eligible customers include first time buyers, those starting over after a relationship breakdown, or families who can prove they need the extra space, so long as their annual household income is less than £60,000.

With HomeBuy Direct a three-bedroom ‘Broadway’ home, usually costing £209,950, can be snapped up for an initial outlay of less than £146,965.

Located on the A22, just eight miles from Eastbourne, about 25 miles from Royal Tunbridge Wells and a similar distance from Brighton, Willow Gardens is well placed as a base for commuters, but has plenty of amenities nearby in Hailsham itself.

For more details, visit the three fabulous show homes, open daily from 10am to 5.30pm.

* £30,000 estimate (inc vat) is based on upgrading a typical three-bedroom house to include new kitchen units and appliances; a new heating system; replacement wiring and remedial plastering; additional loft insulation; redecoration including materials; new bathroom suites, including ground-floor cloakroom and en-suite; replacement windows; new guttering including fitting; and replacement of fascias.