New homes are more popular than ever, says poll

A house hunters survey conducted by housebuilder Barratt Homes shows that 79% people looking to find a property would rather purchase a new build home, as opposed to renting or buying a second hand property.

The findings from Barratt's latest research represent a 27% rise in the volume of people looking to buy a new build home, since the housebuilder conducted the same research in 2008.

Home hunters were quizzed in spring 2012 and the 5,000 polled noted that new homes offer: lower maintenance, lower running costs, higher specifications and solid construction.

Commenting on the survey, Richard Lawson, sales director at Barratt Homes, said: "Our customers, are telling us that renting is more expensive than buying and with our schemes [such as FirstBuy], buyers can buy a brand new home with as little as 5% deposit. This scheme is not available in the second hand market.

"Over the past four years, Barratt has gone out of its way to improve the quality of its homes - which has been nationally recognised. Those who had put off plans to move, or have been saving for a deposit are surprised at how affordable a new build home can be."