Building Your Dream Home vs Buying an Established Home

Building Your Dream Home vs Buying an Established Home

By , Editor and Founder, BuildPilot. M.Arch, Licensed Real Estate Agent (RLA300580), HIA Industry Judge. Last reviewed: .

Building Your Dream Home vs Buying an Established Home - BuildPilot Adelaide Building Guide

Building Your Dream Home vs Buying an Established Home

Tips & Advice2 min read
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George Giannakakis

By George Giannakakis · B.Arch.Studies · M.Arch (UniSA) · RLA300580

Last reviewed: · How we research

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When it comes to buying a home, deciding between purchasing an established property and building your dream home can be a tough decision.

Here are some factors to consider when weighing the pros and cons of each option.build vs buy home Cost: Building a home typically costs more upfront than purchasing an established one.

With an established home, you can often negotiate the cost with the seller, but with a new build, the cost is generally fixed. The initial cost isnt the only factor to consider, however; ongoing maintenance costs for an older home can add up quickly.

Time

Building a home will take much longer to complete than moving into an established one due to the various construction stages. If you need to move quickly, an established home may be the best option.

Location

Depending on how far out from the city youd like to live, you may be able to buy a more expensive established home if youre looking in the inner suburbs.

However, if you build further out, youll likely pay less and get more land for your money.

Style

With an established home, youll usually have to deal with someone elses design choices.

Building a home gives you the freedom to choose your own layout and customise your property to fit your preferences perfectly.

Resale Value

An established home will often appreciate in value faster than a newly-built home. That said, if you havent made too many updates to the property, you may struggle to recoup the same amount of money upon resale as you would with a newly built home. Ultimately, the decision between building and buying depends on your personal situation, budget and preferences. Its important to weigh up all the pros and cons before making your decision!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it generally more expensive to build a home in Adelaide than to buy an established one?

Yes, building a home typically costs more upfront than purchasing an established home in Adelaide.

Will building a home in Adelaide take longer than buying an established one?

Yes, building a home in Adelaide will take much longer to complete than moving into an established one due to the various construction stages.

How does location affect the decision to build vs. buy in Adelaide?

In Adelaide, you may be able to afford a more expensive established home if you're looking in the inner suburbs. Building further out will likely cost less and provide more land.

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