A UK-wide campaign promoting the many benefits on offer when buying a new build property takes place this week (12-20 September).

With nine out of ten people still firmly believing that buying their own home is a sensible investment in their future, New Homes Week aims to highlight important facts such as that a new build home could save over £500 a year in energy bills as a result of its efficiency and construction.

New build properties also offer the peace of mind of a ten year warranty – something unavailable with a second hand property.

The campaign will see activities and events taking place on home builders' sites across the country.

Complementing this, a special website has also been developed offering tips and information on a wide range of subjects from mortgages and gardening to details on warranty protection and the sort of questions to ask sales advisors.

Jonathan Fair, Chief Executive of Homes for Scotland (the organisation which represents companies building 95% of new homes built for sale in Scotland) said: "Interest in the market is definitely increasing as demonstrated by both visitor numbers and sales.

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"After all, with prices at their most affordable in years and a wide variety of deals and incentives still currently available, this is a fantastic time to buy.

"But many people might still be unfamiliar with the range of other benefits new homes can offer such as the fact that they are built to the latest environmental standards. This means that not only are they are six times more energy efficient, they also generate over 60% less CO2 emissions than older-style homes - the equivalent of driving 10,000 miles a year less per household."

He continued: "Buying new also means being able to move in as soon as the property is complete, reducing the stress and uncertainty that is more often associated with buying a second hand property.

"Another key consideration is the fact that it costs an average of £22,000 to bring an old house up the standard specification of a new home. So, with everything clean and untouched, a new home is ready to have its owner’s individual style and personality stamped on it from day one.

"With no repairs or renovations to worry about, your time is your own."

Minister for Housing and Communities Alex Neil added his support to New Homes Week saying he is a great opportunity to highlight the options available to people and to showcase good quality, energy efficient homes.

"I welcome the efforts many house builders have made to offer a range of flexible options to prospective home owners, including shared equity, part exchange and rent to buy schemes," he said.

But, with latest statistics highlighting a one third drop in the number of private new homes started in Scotland, Fair warned of the widening gap between demand and supply and called on the Scottish Government to take further action on this if the risk of a return to rampant house price inflation brought about by a increase in the lack of homes is to be avoided in future.

(GK/BMcC)