For Buyers

Buying New or Existing for Your Primary Residence in 2024?

Buying New or Existing for Your Primary Residence in 2024?

Real estate purchasing demand in Luxembourg has sharply increased since April. At the same time, banks are lending money again, making it possible to envision oneself as a future homeowner in Luxembourg. Buying an existing property and buying a property under construction each have their advantages and disadvantages.

Here are a few points to consider for each option:

Buying an existing property

Pros:

Immediate availability: you can move in quickly after the purchase, which is ideal if you need housing without delay.

Negotiable price: you have the opportunity to negotiate the price with the seller, depending on market conditions and the urgency of the sale.

Visibility: you can visit the property and get a precise idea of what you are buying, which reduces the risk of unpleasant surprises.

Cons:

Need for renovations: some existing properties may require renovation or repair work, leading to additional costs.

Limited options: you might be limited by the characteristics and layout of the existing property, which might not exactly match your needs.

Hidden costs: in addition to the purchase price, you may have to pay extra costs such as notary fees, property taxes, and moving expenses.

Low energy performance: existing properties often lack good insulation and can be more expensive in terms of energy maintenance.

Buying a property under construction

Pros:

Customization: you have the opportunity to personalize certain aspects of the property's design and finishes according to your preferences.

Brand new condition: you benefit from a new property, often equipped with the latest technologies and building standards, which can reduce long-term maintenance costs.

Warranties: new builds come with construction warranties, offering you some peace of mind in case of structural issues.

High energy performance: new properties are generally equipped with good insulation and benefit from optimal energy performance.

Cons:

Wait time: you will have to wait until construction is completed before you can move in, which can take several months or even more than a year.

Uncertainty: plans and renderings may differ from reality, which can lead to disappointment compared to what you expected.

Risk of delays: construction projects sometimes face delays due to technical issues, bad weather, or administrative delays, which can prolong the initial waiting period.

Purchase price: the purchase price of a property under construction is generally higher than the price of a similar existing property, requiring a greater financial effort from the buyer.

Whether you opt for buying an existing property or a property under construction largely depends on your personal preferences, your financial situation, and your housing needs. Buying an existing property offers the possibility of moving in quickly and benefiting from immediate visibility of what you are buying, but it may require renovations and be limited by available options. On the other hand, buying a property under construction offers the opportunity to customize the property to your taste, but it requires a longer waiting period and carries an increased risk of delays and uncertainties compared to the initial plans. It is therefore important to carefully examine the pros and cons of each option before making a decision.