Choice and reach

Press, 12 April 1978, Page 12

Choice and reach

Many buyers, saving for the purchase of their first homes, often find the place of their choice continues to be just out of their reach unless they are prepared to take advantage of their opportunities

as they come along

The decision first-time buyers have to make is where to start in deciding the type of home they wish to buy — whether to secure a section and build, buy an already built new house or to consider an older house in the very large range available from the near-new to the very old. Each type has its own . appeal, "and the final choice must be made according to individual tastes and requirements. Establishment of an entirely new home has an appeal which it is difficult to resist and great pleasure can be gained in promoting the planning of one’s own house to suit the needs and preferences of both the present and foreseeable future. Inspiration can be gained from the multitude of designs seen on many types of sections and also from the numbers of home planning books suitable for New Zealanders and their conditions of living. Lower initial maintenance can be expected with a new property than in an old one, but, unless the buyer can afford the cost of establishing a garden . perhaps with a little landscaping, a great deal of work can be expected in bringing lawns and flower beds to an acceptable state. This is work which many owners enjoy with a pride in making the property a beautiful one. The cost of building or buying a new home can be expected to be greater in

most cases than in accepting an older house, even when one considers initial advantages of escaping the stamp duty on the new house (though not on the section) and often more favourable and easier mortgage finance. <

On the other hand many people are attracted to the older homes in which can be found benefits not ordinarily seen in new houses In recent years most of the older established suburbs close to the city have been returning to the desirable status they held at the time they were originally developed, unless they have been ab» sorbed by a change in zoning to commercial or industrial.

One big advantage of living in an older area is that they are usually close to schools, centres of employment, shopping and entertainment. Also, older houses usually have greater floor space. The price for the older house usually compensates for necessary improvements and, after deferred maintenance has been taken care of, future upkeep should cost no more than for a modern home over the same period.