First-time buyers more likely to choose sustainable new construction homes

The future prospects of first-time buyers in the overheated housing market do not look bright at all. Both finding a suitable rental property and buying a house to buy are still very difficult. Although the Dutch government has indicated that it wants to improve the climate in the housing market, it is very questionable whether it will be successful in the coming years. After all, there is a structural shortage of housing. It is striking that the number of starters looking for new construction projects is increasing. The main reason for this is the fact that these new homes are ready for the future. They are almost always equipped with solar panels, which in combination with attractive energy offers lets live relatively cheaply.

Overbidding in new construction homes not necessaryk

Besides the fact that new construction homes are future-ready, with solar panels and an electric heat pump, first-time buyers do not have to bid above the asking price. Something that is almost always necessary with existing construction, if one wants to have any chance at all of acquiring such a home. Often there is still a lot to be done to actually make the home fit the needs that starters have. Consider renovating the kitchen or bathroom. In a new home, these areas can be designed directly to your own taste. It is often possible to co-finance these costs in the mortgage.

Risk of owner-occupied homes becoming underwater

In a newly built home with solar panels, a heat pump and good insulation, a starter household can live for years. It's a reassuring thought, since homes owned by first-time buyers could be under water in the coming years. De Nederlandse Bank, among others, is warning buyers about this. Home prices may drop quickly if market sentiment changes. An additional advantage is that the value of this sustainable new home generally drops less quickly, than the value of an existing home without solar panels. 

Energy-neutral living with additional investment in solar panels

When purchasing a new home, it is often possible to choose to install solar panels immediately. There are many first-time buyers who have the solar panels installed on the roof later, as this is usually cheaper. With ten to fifteen solar panels, a newly built townhouse is often already virtually energy neutral. The investment in the solar panels is recouped in about five to six years at current energy prices. A very interesting option for a starting family. In the future, one could combine the solar panels with an in-home battery.