A good time to make that move; homemaker editor Karen Overbury explains the advantages of moving to a brand new home.: new homes week.

Byline: Karen Overbury

THE crystal balls have been used over and over again during the past years. When will the property market hit rock bottom? When will things stabilise? Should I buy or rent? How can I get a mortgage? But recently we've been hearing stories quoting "steady improvements", more people viewing homes, an increase in property sales and, just last week, the signs of a return to competition in the mortgage marketplace, indicating that it should be easier to fund a home purchase.

So with a much-needed sense of stability and prices up to 20% lower than at their peak, this seems to be a good time to be planning a purchase.

One of the first questions to ask yourself is whether to opt for a "second-hand" or brand new home. And this week, homemaker is bringing you a new homes special which aims to answer some of your questions.

Older homes are often associated with character and charm. But an older home can swallow money - bills for plumbers, electricians, roofers and others. They can be high maintenance, with a seemingly endless list of DIY tasks. They can also bring expensive fuel bills.

Buying a brand new home has many advantages.

A brand new home means a fresh new start, a chance to make a property truly your own, with a blank canvas for decoration, design and garden.

But if you simply want to move in and put your feet up, there's nothing you have to do!

Choosing a brand new home means you're automatically going green. New homes are built to strict eco-standards - and many builders go further still - which means you and your family will be doing "your bit" for the environment with double-glazed windows, wall insulation, loft insulation and much more.

And this means you'll be saving money on your fuel bills.

Some builders will offer extras, such as ground-source heat pumps, grey-water facilities (using "old" water from, say, the washing machine to flush toilets, water the garden and so on).

Many homes come with water barrels in the garden.

Brand new homes are also built with security in mind - with state-of-the-art locks on doors and windows and with designs of developments ensuring that there are no dark alleys and corners for strangers to lurk in.

Streets are developed with safety in mind, with home zones providing safe play areas, traffic calming measures and cul-desacs which help to promote a sense of community and cut passing traffic.

Most new homes come with a peace-of-mind warranty, often a 10-year guarantee from organisations such as the National Home Building Council - the NHBC - or Zurich.

The variety of new homes is staggering - from small starter apartments at affordable prices and often with deals and packages aimed at the first-time buyer, to luxury mansions.

And there's a great range in between, such as traditional semis, modern two-storey homes and contemporary townhouses.

Planning controls mean there are strict controls on what can be built and new homes must fit in to an area to complement existing properties.

And there is a great range of building materials in new homes - brick, stone, wood-cladding.

21st-Century living has brought its pressures and demands. Many people work from home and developers often incorporate office areas. There are utility rooms in many homes, ideal for busy families.

In fact, whatever your demands, you'll find a brand new home that suits your lifestyle.

And the great thing now is the deals and packages which are making buying easier.

CAPTION(S):

GREAT VARIETY Whatever style you're seeking, there's a new home for you. Above, traditionally-styled stone-built homes from Dere Street and, left, modern brick homes from builders Dysart.