First time buyers now drive nearly 40% of all UK property sales. From financial perks to bypassing the stress of property chains, here’s how a new build home – and the right search tools from Zoopla – can help you get moving with less cost and zero guesswork
First time buyers are on the move. They’ve become the biggest buyer group in the UK property market. Improvements to mortgage affordability are allowing more people to step on to the ladder, and monthly mortgage costs are often cheaper than rents across much of the country.
Many first timers are choosing new build homes because there’s a wide range of benefits that make your move cheaper, faster and easier – especially when you search with Zoopla.
Cheaper
Buying schemes
New build buying schemes can make getting your keys a lot more affordable. Own New Rate Reducer gives you exclusive access to low mortgage rates, while New Build Boost means you only need to save a 5% deposit. And these are just two of the options. Use the schemes filter when searching on Zoopla to put cost savings front and centre.
Developer incentives
Many new build developers offer exclusive incentives. This could be thousands of pounds in cashback, a contribution to your Stamp Duty costs, or even paying your legal and survey fees. There may also be the chance to get high-spec upgrades at a lower cost, such as integrated appliances or luxury floor coverings.
10-year warranties
Most new builds come with a 10-year structural warranty as standard. This acts as a long-term insurance policy, covering the cost of structural repairs. Plus, the builder is typically responsible for fixing defects for the first two years, saving you from the hidden costs often associated with moving home.
Faster
Smarter filters
Time is money, and you can save both by using Zoopla’s smart search filters.
Beyond just price, location and size, you can filter for homes with gardens and garages, en suites and utility rooms, or even bathtubs and kitchen islands. Filter out the noise and find a home you love first time.
The chain-free advantage
Chain-free homes like new builds can shave months off the moving timeline. You don’t have any dependencies on other people buying or selling, which allows for a more predictable completion date and a smoother transition from your current home. Use the chain-free filter on Zoopla to help speed things along.
Easier
Know your affordability from the off
One of the most difficult parts about buying your first home is the guesswork around your budget. Zoopla’s affordability tool removes any doubt by analysing your deposit, income and spending, then matching you with homes you can actually afford. It even factors in your eligibility for buying schemes, providing a personalised green light for your property search.
All the top homebuilders in one place
With all the top developers on Zoopla, you have one place for everything to do with your home search. And when you’re ready, we’ll set you up with a show home viewing, where you can see a whole range of homes that might suit you. So forget juggling viewings and dealing with dozens of very different properties – it’s easier to discover a housebuilder you love on Zoopla.
First Time Buyer is an exciting bi-monthly glossy which takes a stylish and comprehensive look at all the options available, setting them out in an entertaining and informative way, and helping potential customers navigate their way through what is often a daunting and complex process. We dispel the myths, reinforce the facts and arm the reader with the tools necessary to make their homeownership dreams a reality.