Key facts
- New build pluses
- Modern standards, efficiency, choice of finishes
- New build risks
- Delays, unfinished common parts, specification gaps
- Resale pluses
- What you see is what you get, established area
- Resale risks
- Older structure, damp, works without permits
New build
Pluses: modern construction, insulation and glazing, lifts, underground parking, the chance to choose finishes, and often better energy performance.
Risks: delays, common parts left unfinished, differences between the brochure and the reality, and unclear specifications. New apartments may be sold shell form, semi-finished or finished — terms with no fixed legal meaning. See shell form vs finished and buying off-plan.
Resale
Pluses: you see exactly what you buy, the neighbourhood is established, rooms are often larger and older blocks may have character.
Risks: damp, older services, works without permits, and condominium works coming up. A survey is essential — see surveys.
How to decide
- Timeline — need to move soon? Resale is quicker.
- Budget for works — resale may need modernising.
- Energy and running costs — new builds usually win.
- Character and space — resale often wins.
