Buying a New or Used House: Which is Better 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's a completely normal question because, If you think about it, acquiring a property to settle down with your family or to invest in real estate is one of the most important decisions of your life.

Therefore, we have gathered the 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 buying a new home

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, find a piece of paper and a pen and write in one column the pros of buying a new house and in the other the cons of this option, then compare both columns and it will be easier for you to make a decision.

Advantages of buying a new home

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

  • More possibilities to personalize spaces: You can customize each room to your liking. Keep in mind that nowadays real estate developers cater to every detail to ensure you feel comfortable in your future home.
  • Improved energy efficiency: Many real estate companies now specialize in building energy-efficient homes. This is very important because, in addition to protecting the environment, these homes also consume less electricity, allowing you to save on your energy bill.
  • More durability: Being a recently built house, it offers greater durability than a used house; keep this in mind, whether you plan to live in the house or buy it as an investment.
  • Lower repair costs: If you want peace of mind and don't want to worry about repairs, it's better to buy a brand new house than to buy a home that's been in use for years.
  • Guarantee of a new home: Another benefit of choosing 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 acquire a new house or apartment, so several financial institutions offer you the possibility of accessing loans to make this type of purchase.

Disadvantages of buying a new home

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

  • Cost: Brand new homes usually have a higher sale price, which in turn determines that the notary tax payment is higher than that of a used residence.
  • Availability: If you choose a new property, you should know that, generally, you will have to wait until every construction detail is ready before you can move in.
  • Hidden vices: There is a possibility 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 residence compared to a used home.

Pros and cons of buying a used home

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

If you are about to buy a used house, it is recommended that you consult with a good real estate agent so that you have an adequate view of the matter and can make the best decision according to your needs and budget.

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

Advantages of buying a used house

When choosing an older home, it's always important to assess its construction. What year was it built? What condition are the electrical wiring, water pipes, and sewage system in?

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

  • Lower price: According to statistical data, by choosing one of these homes, you save up to 301% 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 at the time of registering your property in the public registry of property.
  • Vices in sight: Often, the defects in a house that's in use are easy to spot by simply paying a little attention to the walls, floors, and ceilings. If there are signs of dampness, it's a sign of leaks, and if the owner is willing to negotiate, you could ask for a discount.

Disadvantages of buying a used home

If you are looking for a residence to live in for a long time or for a long-term investment, you should carefully evaluate the risks of acquiring this type of house.

Some of the aspects you cannot overlook in this regard are:

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

Considerations for deciding between a new or used home

There are several points you should consider when choosing the house option that best suits your needs. These are:

Ability to pay

Dos personas haciendo cálculos

At this point You should ask yourself what the maximum price you can pay for a property is. to find out the approximate amount you could allocate to the purchase of your home.

It's also important to consider whether you have access to bank loans, as these greatly facilitate the process.

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 added value.

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 in with your family is not the same as one to rent seasonally to local or foreign tourists.

Therefore, you need 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 probably now have a clearer understanding of all the pros and cons of buying a brand new or used house, and the truth is, the best option is the one that allows you to meet your needs.

If you're ready to buy your own home, we have luxurious and brand new options available for you. Contact us and let's make one of the most important purchases of your life a reality.