Buying a New or Used Home: Which is Best for You?

Pareja con las llaves de su casa nueva

We've all wondered at some point what the best option would be: buying a new house or a used one?

And it is a completely normal doubt because, If you think about it, purchasing a property to settle down with your family or to invest in real estate is one of the most important decisions of your life.

That's why we've put together key information that will help you easily choose the right option among the houses for sale that we have in Villahermosa.

Pros and cons of purchasing a new residence

Ventajas y desventajas de una casa nueva en infografía blanca

To clarify your ideas, it's best to put the advantages and disadvantages of each alternative "on the table."

For example, take a piece of paper and a pen and write down the pros of buying a new home in one column and the cons of this option in the other. Then, compare both columns and it will be easier for you to make a decision.

Advantages of buying a new residence

It's no secret that buying a brand-new home has numerous advantages, as you'll enjoy a property with everything ready for you to move in. In addition, this type of residence generally offers:

  • More possibilities to personalize spaces: You can customize each room to your preferences. Keep in mind that real estate developers are currently happy to accommodate every detail so you feel comfortable in your future home.
  • Better energy efficiency: Currently, many real estate companies are dedicated to building energy-efficient homes. This is very important because, in addition to protecting the environment, they also consume less electricity, and you can save money with this service.
  • More durability: Being a recent construction, it offers greater durability than a used house. Keep this in mind, whether you plan to live in the house or buy it to invest your money.
  • Less expenses on repairs: If you want more peace of mind and not have to worry about repairs, it's better to buy a completely new house than a home that's been used for years.
  • New Home Warranty: Another benefit of opting for this type of property is that Profeco (Federal Consumer Protection Agency) protects you as a buyer with guarantees established by law.
  • Possibility of a bank mortgage loan: The Mexican government favors people who want to purchase a new house or apartment, so several financial institutions offer access to loans to make this type of purchase.

Disadvantages of purchasing a new home

Since not everything is rosy, there are also problems associated with the decision to buy a home, so you should consider them so you don't choose based solely on the benefits of this option. For example, some of the most significant drawbacks include:

  • Cost: Brand new homes often have a higher selling price, which in turn means that notary taxes are higher than those for used homes.
  • Availability: If you choose a new property, you should know that you will generally have to wait until every construction detail is ready to move in.
  • Hidden defects: There is a chance that early signs of deterioration may appear in the finishes if quality materials were not used during the construction process, which can be very stressful, especially when you consider the price of a new home versus a used one.

Pros and cons of purchasing a used residence

Puntos a favor y en contra de comprar una casa usada en infografía

If you're about to buy a used home, it's a good idea to consult with a good real estate agent so you can get a thorough understanding of the situation and make the best decision based on your needs and budget.

Without further ado, let's get into the details.

Advantages of buying a used house

When choosing a non-new home, it's always important to evaluate the type of construction. What year was it built? What are the electrical systems, drinking water lines, and sanitary drainage systems?

Once you've confirmed the status of these aspects, you'll be able to better compare the benefits of this type of property, which are:

  • Cheapest price: According to statistical data, choosing one of these homes saves you up to 30% of money compared to new buildings.
  • Taxes: Another point in your favor is that when carrying out the purchase process, you have to pay lower taxes when registering your property in the public property registry.
  • Visible defects: Often, defects in a house in use are easy to detect by simply paying a little attention to the walls, floors, and ceilings. If there are traces of moisture, it's a sign of leaks, and if the owner is willing to negotiate, you could ask for a discount.

Disadvantages of purchasing a used home

If you're looking for a long-term residence or a long-term investment, you should carefully evaluate the risks of purchasing this type of home.

Some of the aspects that you cannot ignore in this regard are:

  • Faster deterioration: They tend to have defects more frequently than a newly built home, as their water, electrical, and sewage systems are older and have been in use for years. This also applies to walls, ceilings, and floors, although it's worth mentioning that this doesn't happen in all cases, but you should definitely check them thoroughly before buying.
  • Lower resale value: If you want to sell the property later, as the years go by it loses value due to age, unless it has a prime location, as this balances things out because the location of a house is very important in the real estate sector.
  • Guarantees: When purchasing a used home, you don't have the same guarantees as a new one, so you run more financial risks.

Considerations for deciding between a new or used home

There are several points to consider when choosing the home that best suits your needs. These are:

Payment capacity

Dos personas haciendo cálculos

At this point You should ask yourself what maximum price you can pay for a property to know the approximate value that you could allocate to the purchase of your home.

It's also important to consider whether you have access to bank loans, as these make the process much easier.

Location

Persona determinando una ubicación con su móvil

This is a key aspect, since a newly built residence located in a rural area with limited access to services is not the same as one that is in use but close to universities, medical institutions, and shopping centers in the city.

Location is vital when choosing a property and directly influences its capital gain.

Tastes and needs

Gustos y necesidades específicas de las personas en cuanto a comprar una casa nueva o una usada

On the other hand, Your choice will depend a lot on the plans you have for the property. that you are going to acquire, since a house to live with your family is not the same as one to rent seasonally to local or foreign tourists.

So you have to carefully consider all the points and come to a conclusion about what best suits your particular situation.

Do you already know which option to choose?

You're probably already clear about all the pros and cons of buying a brand-new or used home, and the truth is, the best option is the one that meets your needs.

If you're interested in buying a home, we have luxurious and new options available for you. Contact us and let's make one of the most important purchases of your life a reality.