Most homebuyers have a definite idea of the house they want to live in – whether that’s a period cottage with lots of character, or a brand-new home with all the mod cons and very little maintenance.

Here are five reasons why we believe buying a new build has the advantage over an older property.

1 You’ll be the first person to live there, so your home will be brand new to you and ready for you to make your own mark on it. Just think – no one else’s tired appliances, old pet hair, or unusual taste! You may even have a choice of fittings, colours and floors if you buy off-plan.

2 New-build homes are built to a very high standard and are much more energy efficient than an older property. Cavity walls, double glazing, efficient heating systems and improved insulation will all help to provide long-term energy savings. New builds also come with a 10-year structural warranty, so repair and maintenance costs will be minimal.

3 Your new-build home will have been built to the strictest safety standards with the latest fire-resistant materials and smoke alarms.

4 Buying a new-build home makes the purchasing process much easier, with no chains to collapse or surveys to worry about.

5 They may not have the quirky character of a period property, but we have given much thought to the design of our homes and the overall feel of our developments, making them very attractive places to live.