Poll shows new homes are most popular

A survey of first-time buyers has revealed that the home type of choice for most of them is a new build property.

The study by new home firm SmartNewHomes.com, held between February and May this year, established that 91 per cent of the 245 aspiring homeowners would prefer to live in such a house.

One of the main reasons given for this wish was the guarantee of higher quality in the building that a new home would come with.

However, the survey found that younger buyers are still finding it hard to get on the market, with 66 per cent saying price was still a potential barrier to ownership and 75 per cent not expecting to get on the ladder until they were in their 30s.

These difficulties may be compounded by a lack of new homes being built, with the Construction Products Association warning this week that the number of homes being started this year is likely to be at its lowest level since 1945.

Aspiring homeowners keen to get on the ladder with a new build home may consider the self build option as a way to solve these problems.