There is a cause so many consumers are struggling to buy houses this yr. Not solely are mortgage charges excessive, however housing stock is extraordinarily low.

As of the top of June, there was solely a 3.1-month provide of houses on the actual property market nationwide, in accordance with the Nationwide Affiliation of Realtors. It may take as much as a 6-month provide of houses to satisfy purchaser demand in full. 

Given the shortage of accessible present houses, consumers are more and more turning to new development. In Could, new development gross sales have been up 20% from a yr prior, in accordance with a joint report from the U.S. Division of Housing and City Growth and the U.S. Census Bureau. However whereas shopping for new development definitely has its benefits, it additionally has its drawbacks.

The upside of shopping for new development

The advantage of shopping for new development is fairly clear — you get to buy a house nobody has lived in earlier than. Meaning the house is apt to be in pristine situation, and your home equipment and fixtures will all be new. Mix that with varied warranties, and your chance of getting to make main repairs in your first few years in your house is fairly slim.

Plus, in the event you purchase new development at some extent when your house is not finalized, your builder may let you customise sure options. You could possibly select your wall colours or the kind of flooring you need. You might even have the ability to do issues like design your individual kitchen based mostly in your most well-liked format. 

The draw back of shopping for new development

Whereas new development has its advantages, one main pitfall to contemplate is the associated fee. NewHomeSource stories that newly constructed houses usually price about 17% greater than present ones. You may additionally need to put down more cash upfront if you purchase new development.

In some instances, mortgage lenders will settle for as little as 5% down on a standard mortgage for an present dwelling. However you might need to place down much more than that in your mortgage in the event you’re shopping for new development.

What’s extra, in the event you’re given the chance to improve in the course of the development course of, you will not get to buy round with completely different contractors for that further work. You will have to make use of your builder. And no matter worth they provide you is the value you may need to pay for the upgrades you need. 

Additionally, if you’re shopping for a house that is nonetheless being constructed, delays should not solely doable, they’re virtually inevitable. That would make issues irritating for you in the event you’re on a selected timeline. 

Plus, whereas new development houses may look good, they are not all the time made from the very best high quality supplies. That previous saying “they do not make ’em like they used to” can simply apply to houses constructed right this moment. 

At a time when housing stock is frustratingly low, it is easy to see why extra consumers are turning to new development. However earlier than you’re taking that leap, think about the pitfalls you may encounter if you are going to buy a newly constructed dwelling. 

And be particularly cautious in the event you’re shopping for a brand new dwelling that is not but full. It might be good to get a say within the design course of, however you threat intensive delays that would put you in a severe bind.