When deciding how to go about buying a home, many people are stuck trying to decide between an older home (possibly even a fixer-upper) and new construction.

While it may make sense for some buyers to choose an older home, for the vast majority of buyers, it will be better for their budget and their lifestyle to choose a new home. Here are a few of the reasons why:

Minimal Maintenance Costs

Even if you purchase an older home that has been updated, there are still going to be additional maintenance costs. Walls need to be painted. Roofs need repairing. Siding needs to be replaced and windows need to be repaired or resealed. It’s a fact of life that older homes will have more wear and tear and that you will spend more on maintenance. New homes, on the other hand, probably won’t need much done to them for a few years.

Warranty Coverage

Even if something does need to be repaired or replaced on your new home, it’s likely to be within the warranty period. This means you can get the necessary repairs or replacement done free or at a very low rate.

Energy Efficiency

Utility bills make up a big chunk of the costs of running a home. Older homes tend to be less energy efficient than newer houses, and that means you pay more for your utilities every month. Another issue related to utilities is that older homes mean older boilers, water heaters and HVAC systems. Since those items have limited lifespans, you may find yourself spending a lot to upgrade them soon after moving in.

Choosing Finishes and Fixtures

When you buy an older home, what you see is what you get. New construction, on the other hand, often includes the possibility of choosing some of the fixtures, finishes and even elements of the floor plan. You can tailor your home to suit your needs, rather than accepting what’s already there.

No Updating Required

Many homeowners underestimate the time and money it will take to update their older home to their taste. They may think they can undertake some projects themselves, or they may discover hidden issues that weren’t factored into their renovation estimates. It’s very rare, however, for a renovation project in an older home to come in under budget and on time, and you may be unpleasantly surprised if you choose this route.

Easy Access to Amenities

Older neighborhoods tend not to be as well laid out as newer, planned communities. If you choose an older home, you’re likely to have to drive further to reach shopping, entertainment, schools and facilities, whereas new communities have them built right in.

While many people think they can get more bang for their buck when they buy an older home, the truth is that existing homes tend to cost more over time to update, maintain and repair. It’s often a better investment to purchase a new, pristine home, with no surprises and hidden costs. With quick delivery homes, you don’t even have to wait while they’re built!