| Banks and building societies have effectively scrapped | | | | maybe cautious about buying a new home, but if you |
| the traditional ' new homes premium ' in their | | | | take everything into account, now is the right time |
| mortgage valuations- that's the extra price for a | | | | to buy. |
| square foot of space that buyers were previously | | | | Here are five reasons why: |
| willing to pay on the assumption of no repair bills and | | | | 1. The selection of new homes available is fantastic. |
| lower energy bills. | | | | From detached homes, semi-detached homes, |
| Nobody doubts, either, that the building industry | | | | apartments, townhouses etc. |
| needs a massive boost, having scrapped tens of | | | | 2. There has been a reduction in house prices. That is |
| thousands of jobs. Sales of new homes might | | | | great news for all buyers, especially first-time buyers, |
| struggle to reach 75,000 in 2009, while starts may | | | | who can reap the benefits of a depressed market |
| shrink as low as 60,000. | | | | and get onto the housing market ladder. |
| Many builders will only finish sites already started by | | | | 3. The interest rates are very low in Britain. For |
| making block sales to housing associations funded by | | | | people having no problems getting a mortgage |
| Government money. A recent survey shows that | | | | makes buying a new home a much more affordable |
| nine out of ten people still believe buying a home is a | | | | option, especially for first-time buyers. |
| sensible investment. There is an improvement in | | | | 4. With rising energy costs, it's good to know that |
| mortgage availability, prices have dropped, property is | | | | new-built homes are more energy efficient than ever |
| more affordable and builders have seen a steady but | | | | before. |
| modest increase in sales over recent months. | | | | 5. Owning a new home is a great investment as |
| The present concerns about the economic downturn | | | | regards personal wealth and financial security. |
| and repossessions is understandable and buyers | | | | |