Should You Buy a New House, an Old House, or a Historic Home?

Buying a house is a big decision. It’s a big financial investment, but also an important change for your family. The house you choose will shape your lifestyle from the number of rooms to the type of maintenance you can expect Some people are in heaven in an old house with a dozen little repair and improvement projects just waiting for a free weekend. Others are happier in a new construction with the latest materials, features, and prices. If you buy a house, you might even be the right owner for a historical house with unique experience and responsibilities.

So which kind of house is best for your family? If you buy a house, would you be happiest in a new house, an old house, or a historic home?  We’ll explore the qualities of each to help you decide.

Buy or Commission a New Construction House

On the starting end of the range is a new construction home. This means a home that has just been built, you will be the first resident owner. New construction homes have an understandably higher price than other homes in a similar neighborhood. New construction homes are made of the latest materials and usually with the latest building techniques. 

Today, a new home is more likely to be sealed and energy-efficient made of sustainable materials and with efficient recent-model appliances. You can buy a recently built home or commission a new construction built to your personal preferences.

New construction homes require less initial maintenance but more care to keep them in a like-new state.

Investing in a Recent Market House                   

Of course, you don’t need a new construction home to find a new and modern house or condo. Looking for sustainable materials and great energy efficiency? There’s no need to be the first resident, just find a recent home. Any home built in the last 10 years will be more modern than the large market of older homes. The more recent the build, the more advanced the materials, building methods, and appliances are likely to be.

Recently built homes require far less maintenance than an older home but are not as maintenance-free as being the very first resident owner.

Buying an Old House

Older homes require more maintenance. They are also the basis of market expectations. Most homes on the market fall into the category of an older house with a decade or more of service and several previous owners. These homes tend to have the usual ongoing and regular maintenance requirements. There may be lurking maintenance problems not visible on the surface. There may be long unfinished basements or attics that can be reclaimed, renovated, or repaired as needed. 

Old houses also have a lot of charm and personality.  It’s often worth the effort to find a house with so much persona lith that it speaks user to user. An older home is also your best choice if you like renovations or want to try your hand at DIY  home improvement.

Buying and Owning a Historic House

Finally, there is the option of a historical house. Is it worth it to buy a historic house? A historical house comes with the thrills of living somewhere that stood for many decades, maybe even centuries. Your home has been a part of history. But in return, you also take serious responsibility to preserve the home as it is. Many historical homes are limited and cannot be renovated or modernized in particular ways. If you love polishing ancient wood panels, tending legacy plumbing, and imagining the dramatic lives that came before then you might be the right owner for a historical home.

Historical homeownership is a relationship between the owner and the house. You will enjoy the older floorplan and the charm of past designs and the house will gain a loving caretaker for another turn of years.

If you buy a house, which is the right type of house for your next home? It depends on your budget, your feelings about home maintenance and improvement projects, and the lifestyle you want to live. Contact us to discuss your thoughts and find the ideal home for your upcoming purchase.