Seven Ways to Ensure Your New Build Homes Stand Out Above the Huge Springtime Competition
After the starkness of winter, the arrival of spring brings with it a wealth of newness. Think blossoming trees, nesting birds, bees buzzing once again. But nowhere is this wave of abundance more evident than in the busy world of real estate.
But with a huge surge in available properties and competition at an all-time high, what can new build homebuilders do to make their homes stand out?
In this blog, we explain the seven best selling points of buying a new home over an older property and how to ensure you market these benefits effectively.
Highlight Modern Features and Amenities
New build homes often come equipped with the latest in technology, energy efficiency, and design trends. Be sure to showcase these features, such as smart home systems, energy-efficient appliances, open floor plans, and upscale finishes, to appeal to buyers looking for modern conveniences. As Streets Ahead point out, ‘These conveniences can enhance your daily life and provide a more comfortable and connected living environment.’ So, be sure to paint an image of a life that benefits from having these modern features within the home.
Emphasise Customisation Options
New build homebuyers often have the opportunity to customise their homes according to their preferences. ‘In today’s interiors driven marketplace, consumers aren’t only looking to buy a new home as a financial investment, they’re also looking for a place to build a life and express their own style,’ says Professional Housebuilder and Property Developer magazine. Builders should highlight this flexibility, whether it's choosing finishes, selecting floor plans, or adding personalised upgrades, to attract buyers with a tailored living space.
Showcase Warranty and Maintenance Benefits
Unlike older properties, new homes typically come with warranties that cover structural defects and major systems for a certain period. Homeowners Alliance highlights how, ‘New home build warranties are designed to offer buyers peace of mind that any defects in their new build home will be put right.’ Builders should therefore emphasise the peace of mind that comes with warranties – warranties that don’t come with older properties. And don’t forget to market the reduced maintenance costs associated with owning a new home, while you’re at it. The cost-of-living crisis is still influencing our daily spending habits, so revealing areas where customers can save money is a real selling point.
Highlight Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings
New homes benefit from more energy-efficient features than older properties. ‘According to a study by the NAHB, 9 out of 10 people buying a home would choose a house with energy efficient features,’ says Energy Logic. So, don’t just mention the addition of energy-efficient features, talk about the result – lower utility bills for homeowners. The National Association of Realtor Research Group found that, ‘Over 50% of real estate agents have found clients looking to purchase a home express interest in sustainability.’ Builders should therefore also showcase the energy-saving features of their homes, such as high-efficiency HVAC systems, solar panels, sustainable insulation, and energy-efficient windows, to appeal to environmentally conscious buyers.
Stress Health and Safety Benefits
Built to current building codes and standards, ‘New Build homes are typically built to much higher standards,’ says Addicted to Property. This means they often include features that enhance health and safety, such as advanced fire suppression systems, improved indoor air quality, and the use of non-toxic building materials. New build homebuilders should emphasise these benefits to buyers, who are undoubtedly interested in enhancing their well-being and that of their families.
Offer Incentives and Promotions
Though there are regulations on the type of incentives and promotions homebuilders can offer, such as those laid out by the New Homes Quality Code, and high-pressure sales tactics are prohibited, to sweeten the deal, builders can provide gentle incentives such as premium upgrades at no extra cost. They can also promote any perks that come at handover, such as configured iPads, Welcome Gifts or Sustainable Garden Gifts.
Provide Virtual Tours and Interactive Tools
In today's digital age, offering virtual tours, 3D walkthroughs, and interactive floor plans can help buyers visualise themselves living in a new home. According to Ignite Creative, ‘67% of home buyers said they want a virtual tour when looking at a listing,’ while LLC Buddy found that, ‘50% of buyers preferred virtual tours over photography alone when searching for homes for sale.’ As a new build homebuilder, be sure to leverage these technologies and provide immersive online experiences. These technologies also have the benefit of attracting prospective buyers from a distance who may otherwise not be able to view properties, as it would mean making a considerable journey in person.
Finally, by effectively communicating these benefits through marketing campaigns, advertising efforts, and personalised interactions with potential buyers, new build homebuilders can differentiate their properties from the older homes and capitalise on the bustling real estate market that comes in spring.