When considering buying a house or flat in the UK, you're likely to face a variety of challenges that need careful consideration. The high price of property, particularly in and around London, is a significant barrier. In fact, the average home nationwide now costs about 8.8 times the average annual salary, a figure that has more than doubled since the 1970s (Evening Standard). Beyond the cost, many existing homes might not suit modern family lifestyles due to outdated layouts, and older buildings often struggle with issues like poor heat retention.

On the environmental front, changes are afoot to make properties more sustainable. The UK government is tightening energy efficiency standards to reduce carbon footprints, meaning that newer homes are generally built to higher standards than older properties. This includes adhering to updated Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) requirements, ensuring that homes meet at least a 'C' rating by 2027 and aiming for a 'B' by 2030 (Osborne Clarke). New builds are increasingly constructed with these standards from the outset, making them more energy efficient and aligning with decarbonisation goals.

However, these updates come with their own challenges, including higher costs associated with making older properties comply with new regulations. This has led to a preference among some buyers for newer buildings that already meet these stringent criteria (Osborne Clarke).

If finding the right existing property feels daunting, consider the option of purchasing a plot of land and building a custom home. This route allows you to design a house that perfectly matches your needs and preferences, and you can ensure it incorporates the latest energy-efficient technologies and sustainable materials from the start. While this option requires significant time and investment, and comes with its own set of issues to solve such as securing planning permission and managing construction costs, it could ultimately give you the home of your dreams with fewer compromises. We at V3RGE can take you through the details of each step and provide information on how to manage the process effectively.