Helpful information

18 July 2024

What is better to buy: a new building or a resale one?

Resale housing is inferior to new buildings in terms of cost and basic parameters. This is exactly what many international experts believe when comparing the situation in the primary and secondary real estate markets. In most popular cities in the world, prices for apartments from developers continue to rise, while demand for finished housing is declining.

So what is more profitable to buy — secondary or new building? In our article we will figure out what is more expensive — secondary or primary real estate and what are their main pros and cons.

Which is more expensive: a new building or a secondary one?

Most real estate buyers will not be surprised to learn that new houses almost always cost more than secondary housing. Because, after all, apartments in a new building — These are completely new objects, and the secondary — these are used houses.

According to statistics, new buildings in different countries of the world cost on average 10–20% more than secondary housing stock, if we compare objects with approximately the same location, square footage, and planning solutions. There is always a higher price for new housing located in central, developed urban areas, where there is practically no free land for development.

Of course, it should be taken into account that the cost may vary depending on the location and market conditions of one country or another. However, in the overwhelming majority of cases, higher prices for new buildings are dictated by quite obvious factors, and primarily by increased demand from buyers who value:

  • the ability to choose the layout, finishing and decor when buying on early stage of construction;
  • developer guarantees for construction and finishing works, engineering;
  • modern architecture and design;
  • availability of energy-efficient heating, ventilation, cooling systems and others characteristics.

In addition, in a number of countries, pricing of new buildings includes value added tax (VAT). Thus, in France, when purchasing apartments in a house under construction or when purchasing housing no older than 5 years from the date of construction, the amount includes VAT in the amount of 20% of the cost of the property. In Italy, investors are also required to pay VAT of 4–22%, the final amount of which depends on the type of real estate and its purpose.

Nordic Art 2
Installment until December 15, 2026

from 179 500 EUR

apartments in the new building: 92

Alanya, Mahmutlar

Advantages and disadvantages of new buildings

New buildings — real estate sold by a construction company. This can be either an unfinished house or a home ready to move into. But most of the primary real estate is sold at different stages of construction, that is, the investor invests in the construction and moves into the purchased property after the house is delivered.

New residential complexes have their own special charm: you have the opportunity to move into the apartments, where no one has lived before, enjoy the atmosphere of freshness and high-quality repairs.

Why are new buildings better than secondary ones?

  • Condition of the house

New The residential complex is just beginning its life. Moreover, construction and finishing works are provided with warranty periods, which are established individually by the general developer. As a rule, for most monolithic multi-storey buildings, the average service life — about 100–150 years.

  • Quality of repairs

Many investors want to make renovations in apartments for themselves. In this regard, new apartments compare favorably with secondary real estate. The owner does not need to make repairs: open up floors, remove wallpaper and paint, change engineering. That is, it is much easier and faster to adapt the primary kitchen to your taste.

  • Planning solutions

Modern houses, at a minimum, have spacious kitchens in which It's easy to place all the necessary household appliances and there is ample storage space, cozy living rooms and spacious bathrooms. In addition, developers often sell housing with an open plan, or offer buyers to make changes to the existing planning solution, subject to purchase at an early stage of construction.

  • Liquidity

Due to the fact that the service life of the new housing has just begun, the property will be liquid as an asset for a long time. Such real estate can be resold profitably even after 5-10 years.

  • Instalment

Most developers meet investors halfway, offering favorable purchase conditions — installment payment without interest. The buyer makes a down payment, and the rest of the amount is paid in installments according to a convenient schedule, calculated both for the duration of construction work and for a longer period.

  • Utility payments
< p>Often, in new buildings, utility bills are lower due to more economical heat and water supply systems, energy efficiency of materials, and minimal heat loss.

  • Legal purity

In no one lived in the apartments in the new buildings, that is, such objects do not have encumbrances or illegal redevelopment, problematic owners, several registered owners, etc.

  • Simple transaction
  • New buildings are also good because the developer has all the necessary documents on hand, allowing you to quickly complete a legal purchase and sale transaction.

    Disadvantages of new buildings

    • Location

    New houses are often built in new areas located on the periphery of cities. Living in such areas may not be convenient for everyone if you have to get to the center to work, or the infrastructure is not developed at an insufficient level.

    • Cost

    Favourable options can be selected both in the primary and secondary markets. But if you want to buy a cheap apartment, then it’s better not to look at new buildings. In recent years, the cost per square meter has increased noticeably in all countries.

    • Move-in period

    The majority of buyers purchase housing in new buildings at the start of construction, that is at the excavation stage. This means that you won’t be able to move into a new apartment right away; you will have to wait some time before the residential complex is put into operation.

    Advantages and disadvantages of secondary housing

    Resale real estate — These are any objects that are purchased not from the developer, but from the owner (individual or legal entity). That is, in fact, on the secondary market there are apartments built both 20-25 years ago and six months or a year ago.

    Advantages of secondary real estate:

    • Cost

    The price tag for resale homes is often lower than new houses and apartments, which depends on the characteristics and urgency of the sale.

    • Location

    You can’t find an apartment in a new building near the center in every city, but at the price of secondary real estate in the same area — almost impossible. For those who prefer to live in the center or in some unique location, it is easier to focus on secondary housing — There are more similar offers for sale on the housing market.

    • City infrastructure

    Old microdistricts have a convenient and developed infrastructure: there are a variety of shops and supermarkets, restaurants and cafes, cinemas, kindergartens, schools, clinics, parks, gyms and much more.

    • Move-in dates

    As soon as the deal is concluded purchase and sale, the new owner can move into the apartment, even if the premises require repairs. Some owners leave furniture and household appliances in the apartment when selling, which is convenient in case of an urgent move.

    Disadvantages of secondary housing:

    • Condition

    Of course, the secondary can be different. But in most cases — This is housing that was in active use, which means that after purchasing the property, the owners will need to carry out repairs — cosmetic or capital, depending on the age of the building. You should also be prepared for unpleasant surprises in the form of a leaking roof, worn-out engineering, etc.

    • Yards and parking lots

    Morally outdated minimal infrastructure in In old residential areas, sometimes municipal authorities try to improve them. However, this does not always work out, for example, there is often not enough space near the house for parking, landscaping, sports and children's playgrounds.

    • Heirs
    < p>When purchasing secondary real estate, it is mandatory to check the legal purity of title documents. It is especially important to find out whether there are heirs claiming ownership of the apartment and any accompanying encumbrances in the form of loans, debt obligations.

    What is more profitable to take: an apartment in a new building or a resale apartment?

    And Both types of real estate have their pros and cons, so it’s clear to say that it’s more profitable to buy — resale or new construction is not allowed. It all depends on the specific situation.

    It is important for an investor to decide for himself what is his priority. If you want to buy housing as cheaply as possible and move in immediately, but the quality of repairs and layout do not matter, secondary real estate is suitable.

    If you do not want to spend extra money on repairs, you want to have an ergonomic layout in the apartment, beautiful design of premises, diverse, internal infrastructure right in the residential complex in the form of SPA salons, swimming pools, fitness rooms, landscape gardening, security, then without a doubt you should choose real estate from the developer. New buildings are also suitable for forward-thinking investors who want to purchase quality real estate inexpensively for the purpose of its further profitable resale.

    The most important condition for the successful purchase of real estate abroad — competent and responsible approach. Compare different options, carefully study the terms of sale and do not put the price first — housing that is too cheap cannot be good.

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