Buy your home with confidence
Home-buying customers of HBF members benefit from their association with the Home Builders Federation in several ways.
HBF members adhere to high industry standards, ensuring the quality and reliability of the homes they build. Through initiatives like the ‘HBF Star Rating’ scheme, customers can assess builder performance based on verified satisfaction surveys, providing transparency and confidence in their home-buying decisions.
HBF’s advocacy for industry improvements and customer protection also ensures that homebuyers are at the forefront of policies that promote safety, sustainability, and long-term value in their new homes.
New homes
New build homes offer significant advantages over older properties, particularly in terms of energy efficiency, lower running costs, and reduced maintenance needs. New homes are designed with modern building techniques and materials, resulting in lower energy consumption and carbon emissions. While older properties may have more character, they often require renovations and upgrades to meet modern standards, potentially leading to unexpected costs.
- Energy efficiency: new builds are significantly more energy-efficient, leading to lower energy bills and reduced carbon footprint.
- Lower running costs: the combination of energy efficiency and modern fixtures and fittings contributes to lower overall running costs.
- Reduced maintenance: new homes come with warranties and require less immediate maintenance compared to older properties.
- Modern design and technology: New homes are designed with contemporary living in mind, incorporating the latest technologies and design features.
- Customer protection: new home buyers benefit from builder guarantees and structural warranties.
Older homes
- Potential for renovation: older properties may require significant renovations to bring them up to modern standards, including energy efficiency upgrades.
- Unexpected costs: renovation projects can lead to unexpected costs and disruptions, as well as uncovering hidden issues.
- Higher running costs: older properties may have lower energy efficiency ratings, leading to higher energy bills.
- Character and location: older homes may offer more character and be located in established neighbourhoods, which can be appealing to some buyers.
HBF's perspective
The HBF emphasises the 'hidden savings' associated with new builds, including lower energy bills and reduced maintenance expenses. They also highlight the benefits of buying new, such as the high level of service and support provided during the buying process and the peace of mind that comes with a 10-year structural warranty.