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Building better: why new-build homes offer so much more

A deep dive into why new homes are built to a much higher standard compared to older homes.

Guest Author
Words by: Anissa Morris

Communications and Campaigns Manager at the Home Builders Federation

There’s no doubt that when it comes to buying a home, the structure of the property and its build quality can come out at the top of people’s considerations.

For some, a quality build means an older property. But with ever-evolving modern techniques, standards and innovations in construction, the build quality of brand new homes can come out as far superior to those built decades or centuries ago.

From improved sustainability to designs focused on modern-day living, new homes are testament to how much the home-building industry has improved to meet the needs of today’s buyers. Let’s take a deeper look.

Modern techniques 

Older homes were often built with features that fall short of modern standards. But today, new homes have traded in single-pane windows and poor insulation for double or triple glazing and energy efficient heat-trapping materials.

Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) incorporate off-site manufacturing techniques, where components such as walls, floors or entire units are manufactured in a factory and then transported to the site for assembly. MMC aims to reduce construction time, increase sustainability and ensure higher consistency in quality compared to traditional construction methods.  

Consumer protections

Significant strides have also been made in consumer protections for new-build homes. With initiatives like the New Homes Quality Board (NHQB) and the New Homes Ombudsman Service (NHOS), buyers now enjoy unprecedented support and transparency during the buying process. Builders are required to meet strict quality standards, and the consumer codes in place mean that they must deal with any issue raised by a customer quickly and fairly. If they don’t, the customer has the right to access an independent ombudsman service. This setup is currently voluntary but now covers the majority of new homes sold each year. It ensures that buyers can make informed decisions with confidence, knowing they’re protected every step of the way.

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Customer satisfaction

Customer satisfaction levels for new-build homes are at an all-time high. According to the latest National New Homes Customer Satisfaction Survey, over 90% of new home buyers say they’d recommend their builder to a friend. This reflects the efforts made by the house-building industry to improve quality and service. 

Recommendations from the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) are also increasing transparency and raising the bar for quality across the sector.

Energy efficiency 

Modern homes also deliver on efficiency where older properties often fall short. New-build homes are incredibly energy efficient, emitting 65% less carbon than older properties—just 1.22 tonnes annually compared to 3.51 tonnes for older homes.  With 86% of new builds earning an A or B EPC rating, compared to under 5% of older homes, they offer significant savings on energy bills. The average energy and water costs for new-build houses is 50% cheaper, resulting in a potential saving of £979 a year. 

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Sustainability

The focus on quality and sustainability is particularly important as the demand for housing grows. The CMA’s recent house-building market study highlighted the persistent challenges posed by the planning system, which has long hindered the delivery of new homes. While planning reform remains a pressing issue, the housing industry continues to adapt and innovate despite these obstacles. Builders have proven resilient, meeting the evolving needs of buyers while navigating a complex regulatory landscape.

Ultimately, today’s homes are more efficient, and more consumer-friendly than ever before. Modern construction techniques ensure that homes are built to last, while advancements in materials and technology enhance their performance and sustainability.


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