Redrow asks Wakefield homebuyers ‘Why do up when you can buy new?’

The idea that buying an old ‘fixer-up’ is the cheapest way to get the home you want can be a false economy – and is often a drain on time, money, energy and even relationships!

Redrow’s St John’s Mews, off College Grove Road, is located in an area of Wakefield that features lots of older properties that homebuyers might be tempted to buy with the intention of doing up.

But with brand-new two, three and four-bedroom homes available that are full of character and currently priced from only £177,950 to £284,950, we are asking consumers “why bother?”.

Steve Jackson, sales director at our Yorkshire division says: “One thing that may deter people from buying a brand-new property is the worry that new homes lack character but our homes at St John’s Mews are quite the opposite.

“The Regent Collection homes evoke classic Georgian-style architecture and have impressive characterful frontages, while their interiors are crafted to an extremely high-standard and make use of open-plan living spaces to maximise light and space while creating a comfortable environment.”

Some buyers may look into buying an older property to do up or stay where they are and carry out major renovations rather than buy a new home. However, recent research by us revealed people’s reactions to previous home renovation projects; almost half were only ‘somewhat satisfied’ with the results and 40% had over-spent.

Steve continues: “The reality of home renovation is that you really do need to plan for every eventuality and consider things such as full building surveys, gas and electricity safety checks and, when budgeting, you should ideally ensure you have contingency for it to increase by at least 10%. You could save time, money and stress by buying a brand new home, where everything has been done for you already and all you need to worry about is what carpet colour to choose.”

We estimates it costs on average £50,000 to bring an old home up to the standard of a new-build** by the time you factor in things like new windows and doors, a new boiler and central heating system, replacing the kitchen and bathroom and complete redecoration.

“Even if you aren’t planning a major renovation, general maintenance and repairs on an older home can multiply over time and, if you don’t keep on top of upkeep, problems can arise,” adds Steve.

We are protected by NHBC Buildmark or equivalent 10-year warranty giving buyers extra peace of mind. New homes are also well insulated and feature energy efficient boilers and appliances for lower running costs.

Buyers can reserve their new home at the touch of a button, using our award winning MyRedrow online hub. Customers can fully interact with us online, including browsing developments and homes, making appointments, reserving, making specification choices and selecting upgrade options for their brand new home.

The sales centre and Brunswick and Fitzroy show homes at St John’s Mews are now open Thursday to Monday from 10am to 5:30pm with new social distancing measures in place to ensure the safety of customers and staff. See www.redrow.co.uk/stjohnsmews for more information or call 01924 589480.

See more on Redrow’s ‘Why do up?’ campaign here: www.redrow.co.uk/promo/skip-the-renovation