I have read a bit on this forum and also spoken to a few people who are involved in new build construction as well as those who inhabit a new or newish property. For e.g
A colleague of mine who lives in a 4 bedroom townhouse on a lovely quiet estate, only 10minutes from work is happy renting it, but would not buy it from the landlord even if it was priced below market value. His words being "The house is already showing signs of ageing, I'm happy to renting it but I wouldn't be the owner" House is 10 years old.
Another colleague who had numerous issues with his boiler in the first 3 years as well as some plumbing issues now says that at every window he stands next to, he can notice a definite draught. The house is 7 years old.
I am sure that for every unhappy owner there are some satisfied owners of new/newish houses but the level of unsatisfaction is a cause for concern and even the moderator here says avoid houses built post 2001.
My property was 1998 and even that isn't free from snagging issues!
So what is the alternative?
Surely every generation of houses have their issues?
Older properties will require more maintenance surely! Where do you find the happy medium?