Author: Rebecca Sibanda

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3 Benefits of Buying a New Build Home

Buying a home is one of the biggest decisions most people will ever make, and in today’s market it’s completely natural to want reassurance that you’re making the right choice. With rising living costs, changing lifestyles and a greater focus on sustainability, many buyers are taking a closer look at new build homes — and for good reason.

Modern new build properties are designed to meet the needs of today’s homeowners, offering efficiency, comfort and peace of mind that can be harder to achieve with older homes. From lower energy bills to thoughtful layouts and long-term protection, new builds bring a range of benefits that are particularly valuable in the current climate.

Below, we explore some key reasons why buying a new build home could be a smart move right now.

1. Energy Efficiency and Lower Running Costs

One of the most compelling advantages of a new build home is its energy efficiency. With household bills under constant scrutiny, buyers are increasingly aware of how much it costs to run a property — and this is where new homes really stand out.

Built to Modern Standards

New build homes must comply with the latest building regulations, which are significantly more demanding than those applied to older properties. This means they are constructed with:

  • High levels of insulation in walls, roofs and floors
  • Double or triple-glazed windows
  • Energy-efficient air source heat pumps

As a result, new homes are far better at retaining heat in winter and staying cooler in summer, helping to reduce overall energy consumption.

At our current developments, these energy-efficient features are not optional extras but come as standard. Our homes at Valley View in Harleston, Jubilee Way in Holton, and Old Coopers Yard in Aslacton, for example have all been thoughtfully designed with modern building standards in mind, incorporating these high levels as part of the specification. This means buyers can enjoy the benefits of lower running costs and improved comfort from day one, without the need for costly upgrades or retrofitting further down the line.

Lower Energy Bills

Thanks to these features, many new build homeowners experience noticeably lower gas and electricity bills compared to those living in older properties. In some cases, energy costs can be hundreds of pounds lower each year — savings that really add up over time.

Many new homes also achieve high Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings, often A or B, compared to older homes which frequently sit at D or below. A better EPC rating not only reduces running costs but can also be attractive to future buyers should you decide to sell.

A More Sustainable Choice

Energy efficiency isn’t just good for your wallet — it’s better for the environment too. Lower energy use means reduced carbon emissions, allowing homeowners to live more sustainably without compromising on comfort.

Some developments also include or offer options such as:

  • Solar panels
  • Electric vehicle charging points
  • Smart thermostats

These features help future-proof your home as environmental standards continue to evolve.

2. Modern Layouts Designed for Contemporary Living

How we use our homes has changed dramatically over the years, and new build properties are designed with modern lifestyles firmly in mind.

Open, Flexible Living Spaces

Older homes often come with smaller, separate rooms that don’t always suit today’s way of living. New build homes, on the other hand, tend to feature:

  • Open-plan kitchen, dining and living areas
  • Wider hallways and better flow between rooms
  • Flexible spaces that can adapt to different needs

This makes everyday living more practical, whether you’re cooking while keeping an eye on children, entertaining friends, or simply enjoying a more sociable layout.

Designed for Working from Home

With remote and hybrid working now part of everyday life for many people, space for a home office has become a priority. Many new builds incorporate:

  • Dedicated studies or flexible spare rooms
  • Better natural light
  • Stronger broadband infrastructure

Even where a separate office isn’t included, modern layouts make it easier to carve out a productive workspace without disrupting the rest of the home.

Low-Maintenance Outdoor Space

New build developments also tend to offer manageable garden spaces that are easier to maintain, making them ideal for busy households, first-time buyers or downsizers who still want outdoor space without the upkeep.

4. Warranties and Reduced Maintenance Compared to Older Homes

One of the biggest concerns for buyers — especially first-time buyers — is the fear of unexpected repair costs. This is another area where new build homes provide valuable reassurance.

Fewer Immediate Repairs

With an older property, buyers may face costly issues such as:

  • Outdated electrics
  • Aging boilers
  • Roof repairs
  • Damp or structural concerns

In contrast, everything in a new build home is brand new. From the wiring and plumbing to the kitchen appliances and heating system, there’s far less likelihood of major repair bills in the early years of ownership.

New Home Warranties

Most new build homes come with a 10-year structural warranty, such as NHBC, Premier Guarantee, LABC and Checkmate. This typically includes:

  • An initial period where the developer addresses any issues (usually 2 years)
  • Long-term cover for major structural defects (usually 10 years)

This level of protection offers peace of mind that simply doesn’t exist with older homes, where responsibility for repairs falls entirely on the homeowner from day one.

The Consumer Code for Home Builders

This was developed by the home building industry to make the new home buying process fairer and more transparent by setting out requirements builders must meet when selling new builds.

The Code is designed to help you understand what levels of service to expect from you home builder; feel suitably informed about your purchase; and know your consumer rights before and after you move in. It covers every stage of the home buying process; pre-contract, exchange of contract and the first two years after legal completion.

By setting out clear standards of customer service, the Code helps to reduce the likelihood of complications occurring with your purchase. In the unlikely event that problems arise, a speedy and free Independent Dispute Resolution Scheme (IDRS) is available to deal with complaints about breaches of the code.

A Smart Choice for Today and Tomorrow

Buying a new build home isn’t just about what works now — it’s about investing in a property that’s fit for the future. With lower running costs, layouts designed for modern living, and the reassurance of warranties and reduced maintenance, new builds offer a compelling package for today’s buyers.

Whether you’re stepping onto the property ladder, upsizing for more space, or looking for a home that’s easier to manage, a new build provides comfort, efficiency, and peace of mind at a time when those qualities matter most.

If you’re considering your options in today’s market, it’s worth taking a closer look at what new build homes can offer; you may find they tick more boxes than you expect!

If you’d like to discuss the benefits of buying a new build home in more detail or find out more about what’s currently available across our developments, our New Homes Team would be delighted to help. Whether you’re just starting your search or ready to take the next step, please get in touch on 01379 852217 if you would like to explore how a new home could work for you.

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The Renters’ Rights Act Explained: What Landlords Need to Know

The private rented sector is undergoing one of the most significant reforms in a generation. The Renters’ Rights Act marks a decisive shift in how tenancies are structured, how properties are managed and how landlords demonstrate compliance. While much of the public discussion has focused on tenant protections, the Act also sets out a clearer, more regulated framework for landlords who operate professionally and plan ahead.

For landlords, understanding the intent of the legislation and preparing early is essential. At Durrants, we work closely with landlords across Norfolk and Suffolk to help them adapt confidently, remain compliant and continue to protect the long-term value of their property investments.

Why the Renters’ Rights Act has been introduced

The Renters’ Rights Act has been introduced to address long-standing concerns around security, standards and fairness in the private rented sector. Over recent years, renting has become a long-term housing solution for many households, rather than a short-term stepping stone. The legislation reflects this reality by aiming to provide greater stability for tenants while improving consistency and professionalism across the sector.

Key objectives of the Act include:

  • Increasing security of tenure for tenants
  • Improving property standards and enforcement
  • Creating clearer, more transparent processes for rent increases and possession
  • Raising overall confidence in the private rented sector

For landlords, this represents a move away from informal practices towards a more structured and evidence-based approach to letting property.

Changes to tenancy structure and tenure

One of the most fundamental changes is the removal of fixed-term Assured Shorthold Tenancies. Under the new framework, all tenancies will become open-ended periodic tenancies by default. This means landlords can no longer rely on the expiry of a fixed term as a natural breakpoint.

While this increases flexibility for tenants, it also places greater importance on ongoing tenancy management. Landlords must ensure that properties remain compliant throughout the tenancy and that communication with tenants is clear, professional and well documented.

The abolition of Section 21 and changes to possession

The removal of Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions has been one of the most widely discussed aspects of the Renters’ Rights Act. Once fully implemented, landlords will no longer be able to regain possession without providing a legally defined reason.

Instead, all possession claims will be made using Section 8 grounds. These grounds have been strengthened and expanded to give landlords clarity around legitimate reasons for possession, such as:

  • Intending to sell the property
  • Serious or persistent rent arrears
  • Anti-social or criminal behaviour
  • Breach of tenancy obligations

However, possession is no longer automatic. Landlords must follow the correct legal process, serve valid notices and provide appropriate evidence to support their claim. Errors in documentation or procedure can result in significant delays.

Higher standards and compliance expectations

Alongside changes to tenure and possession, the Act introduces stronger expectations around property standards and compliance. This includes closer alignment with existing safety and fitness requirements and the extension of new measures, such as Awaab’s Law, into the private rented sector.

Landlords will be expected to:

  • Address serious hazards, including damp and mould, within defined timescales
  • Keep accurate records of inspections, repairs and communications
  • Comply with updated rules on rent reviews and rent increase notices

In addition, the introduction of a mandatory Private Rented Sector Ombudsman will give tenants a clear route to escalate complaints, increasing the importance of robust internal processes and professional management.

What this means for landlords in practice

The direction of travel is clear: the private rented sector is becoming more regulated, more transparent and more accountable. For landlords who already manage their properties well, the Renters’ Rights Act formalises good practice. For others, it represents a need to reassess how their portfolio is managed.

Key risks for landlords include:

  • Using incorrect notices or outdated tenancy agreements
  • Poor record keeping or informal arrangements
  • Delays in addressing maintenance or safety issues

Equally, there are opportunities for landlords who take a proactive approach to compliance and professionalism.

How Durrants helps landlords stay compliant and protect their investment

At Durrants, we understand that legislation can feel complex and time-consuming, particularly for landlords balancing property with other commitments. Our experienced lettings team provides practical, up-to-date advice tailored to each property and tenancy.

We support landlords by:

  • Reviewing tenancy agreements and advising on transition to periodic tenancies
  • Managing rent reviews and serving compliant notices
  • Providing guidance on possession grounds and processes
  • Coordinating inspections, maintenance and safety compliance
  • Acting as a professional buffer between landlord and tenant

Our aim is not only to help landlords meet their legal obligations, but to protect rental income, minimise risk and maintain positive, long-term tenancies.

Looking ahead

The Renters’ Rights Act represents a new era for the private rented sector. While change can feel daunting, it also offers clarity and structure for landlords who are willing to adapt. With the right advice and professional support, landlords can continue to invest with confidence.

If you would like to discuss how the Renters’ Rights Act affects your property, or how Durrants can support you through the changes, our lettings team is here to help.

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Supporting Our Community: £1,000 Donation to Feed All Children

Lily presents a cheque to 'Feed All Children' from the Durrants Charitable Foundation.

At Durrants, supporting our local community is central to who we are and what we stand for. That’s why we’re proud to share that we have donated £1,000 to the Feed All Children initiative from the Durrants Charitable Foundation.

On 16 December 2025, Maddy Durrant and Sarah Jerman were pleased to receive the cheque from Lily Lawrence, Residential Sales Manager at our Southwold branch, on behalf of the project. The moment reflected a shared commitment to helping local children and families during a particularly challenging time.

About Feed All Children

Feed All Children is a project run by Sole Bay Care Fund, a local community charity that works closely with schools, community organisations and support groups to help those in need across the Sole Bay area.

The aim of the project is simple but powerful: to ensure that every child at local primary schools can access a nutritious meal each day. While many children already qualify for free school meals, local schools have a higher-than-average uptake compared to national figures. In the current economic climate, many more families are facing financial pressures that can make providing regular meals a real challenge.

Research linked to the project has shown that when families are struggling, both children and parents may go without food. Feed All Children helps to remove this burden by offering meals to all pupils, ensuring equality, reducing stigma and supporting families who may otherwise fall just outside traditional eligibility criteria. Parents can choose whether to take up the meal or continue paying, preserving dignity and choice.

Making a real difference

Currently operating as a pilot project across several local primary schools for the winter term, Feed All Children is already having a significant impact. Schools are reporting:

  • Improved attendance
  • Better concentration and engagement in lessons
  • Stronger social interaction
  • Improved overall wellbeing

The benefits extend beyond the classroom. Parents have reported reduced stress and anxiety, with some able to redirect household budgets towards other essentials such as heating. This, in turn, improves family wellbeing and creates a more stable home environm

ent.

A personal connection

The project is especially meaningful for Lily, who attended Reydon Primary School and benefited from a similar scheme during her own childhood. Her involvement highlights just how impactful these initiatives can be, not only in the short term but throughout a child’s life.

We are also proud to support this cause alongside Maddy Durrant, a long-term client of ours, making this donation particularly close to home.

Looking ahead


Following a full evaluation of the pilot, Sole Bay Care Fund hopes to extend Feed All Children to more schools

and over a longer period. Achieving this will require continued fundraising and community support, but the early results clearly demonstrate the value of the project.

As a locally rooted business, we believe in supporting initiatives that strengthen our community from the ground up. Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive and we’re proud to play a part in helping make that possible.

If you’d like to find out more about Feed All Children or support the work of Sole Bay Care Fund, we encourage you to get involved by making a donation via their Peoples Fundraising page or visiting their website for more information.

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Suffolk councils launch simultaneous Call for Sites consultations

Both East and Mid Suffolk Council have launched new consultations seeking future development land as of 20th October.

East Suffolk District Council, which covers both Waveney and Suffolk Coastal, have recently announced that they are starting a Local Plan review. The Local Plan directs growth in the District, including allocating land for specific uses. East Suffolk currently has two local plans, for Waveney and Suffolk Coastal, adopted in 2019 and 2020 respectively.

From 20th October 2025 until 9th January 2026, landowners are able to put forward their sites for consideration as future allocations for housing or employment uses as part of a Call for Sites exercise. This process, known as land promotion, is usually the only way of obtaining planning permission of any scale, and is a long-term endeavour which may result in land being allocated and therefore suitable for development.

Mid Suffolk (which includes the Babergh area) have also launched a Call for Sites in the same timeframe as part of the preparation of their new local plan.

Durrants are able to submit sites for consideration on behalf of landowners, and would encourage anyone who is interested in doing so to contact buildingconsultancy@durrants.com or 01379 646603 to discuss further. Ideal sites are:

  • Within, adjacent to or close to an existing settlement – i.e. a village, town or city
  • Accessible from a suitable road (or access can be created)
  • Not in a flood risk area
  • Not heavily wooded
  • At least 0.25 hectares or able to accommodate at least 5 homes or 500sqm of employment floor space
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Planning permissions drop to lowest levels since 1979

New Year New Planning framework

Official data released in September showing that planning permissions for new homes have fallen to a record low under Labour’s government have been described as ‘unacceptable’ by housing secretary Steve Reed.

Approximately 7,000 planning applications for new homes were approved between April and June 2025 – the lowest since records began in 1979 and an 8% fall compared to the same period in 2024. A similar report was released in March 2025, when it was confirmed that just 242,610 homes were approved (not built) in 2024, the lowest since 2014, and that overall, delivery numbers were falling annually.

These trends suggest that the government will struggle to deliver the 1.5 million homes promised in their manifesto, which translates to 325,000 homes per year.

A March report by the Home Builders Federation called for action to increase housing numbers, including more support for first-time buyers, addressing problems in the affordable housing S106 market, increasing resourcing to the planning profession (on the local authority side) and recognising the impacts that tax changes and new policy burdens have on development viability.

The government did fund the hire of 300 new planners, but that only equates to one per local authority area. The autumn budget is predicted to introduce more taxes, including a potential overhaul of stamp duty and council tax which could further impact the development sector. The impending changes to the private rental sector will also affect the buy-to-let market, which makes up 20% of housing stock, with buy-to-let investors accounting for 10% of purchases in 2024, down from 16% in 2015.

But the news isn’t all bad. The figures from the summer show that approvals are up by 2%, with 88% of all applications being approved, and 91% of major applications granted on time. And though the number of residential applications granted was at an all-time low, in fairness to Councils, fewer applications were received in the first place, so the drop in numbers is partially on the applicant side.

The fall in planning permissions is surprising given the tangible changes that the government has made to the planning system, notably the shake-up of 5-year land supply calculations, which has meant nearly every local authority in Norfolk and Suffolk is under-delivering on housing. This opens up opportunities to apply for housing which may not previously have been supported. And yet, numbers are dropping. Why?

I have written before about the burdens of Nutrient Neutrality, Biodiversity Net Gain and the increasingly onerous process of validation delaying the planning process. The latest problem faced in many areas is a lack of capacity for sewage in water recycling centres. All of these play their part in deterring developers from the sector, and all of them have been brought about at a government, national level, not a local one. I cannot help but feel that there are fundamental contradictions (or perhaps ignorance) between the government’s admirable aims and the red tape they continue to do very little to manage or mitigate.

In my role working on rural planning schemes in Norfolk and Suffolk, we have seen people increasingly discouraged from pursuing schemes due to rising build costs combined with the unappealing changes to the private rental sector and the slowing of the residential sales market.

On a positive note though, I feel that we are lucky to have some of the best local authorities in the country in this area, most of whom work proactively with us and are very reasonable and fair. We have enjoyed a 95% success rate with our planning applications in 2025 and though this is in part due to our knowledge of local policy and resulting ability to make applications succeed, some of this has to be credited to local planners.

I was listening to PM on BBC Radio 4 last week, and Victoria Hills, CEO of the RTPI (Royal Town Planning Institute) was asked to give a one-word answer to the question, ‘Will the government deliver 1.5 million homes during its term?’. Her answer was ‘maybe’. I confess that I am less optimistic for reasons of simple maths. With only 200,000 homes completed in year one of Labour’s term, delivery would need to almost double overnight to hit the 1.5m target in the remaining 4 years.

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Read this before you paint your barn black

John Constable’s ‘Golding Constable’s Flower Garden’, 1815.

In East Anglia, we are fortunate to benefit from an abundance of traditional farm buildings, most of which are built from either traditional red brick (as well as flint and clay lump) or of a timber frame with wooden cladding.

And just as ubiquitous as the barns themselves is their colour. They are almost invariably black. After all, that is the traditional colour for a timber-clad historic barn, right?

The practice of painting barns black became commonplace in the 1830s, and the black was not paint, but tar, which had protective qualities, preventing rot and damage from insects and water. But before then, timber stains were likely oil-based, probably using linseed oil and various oxides to create a pigment.

 

The Red Barn at Polstead

Red was particularly common, and this is evident from paintings and stories from the time. Constable’s  ‘Golding Constable’s Flower Garden’ painting (1815) shows a thatched, timber-clad barn painted ochre for example. The famous ‘Red Barn Murder’ of 1827 took place in a barn in Polstead, often mistakenly assumed to be so named because of a small part of its roof being red clay tiled, but it is more plausible that this barn was painted red.

The use of red paint was logical given that it was likely made using linseed oil and iron oxide (i.e. rust powder) both of which would have been readily available on farms at the time. Barns in the USA are still predominantly red, and it is possible that the tradition of using linseed oil and iron oxide was exported from Europe.

 

Evidence of earlier paints on South Norfolk barn. Image: Jasmine Philpott

There are also examples of weatherboarding being painted white or cream. This would have been achieved wither through distemper (mixing ground chalk with size, a weak glue and water), or mixing slaked lime and water to make a limewash. Pigments could then be mixed with these to achieve a red or yellow ochre. Remnants of both red and yellow paints can be seen on a barn in South Norfolk as evidence of this.

Though not a barn, White Cottage in the grounds of Framlingham College was the only remaining example of a weatherboarded dwelling in East Suffolk until its rather disappointing demolition in 2023. Outside of East Anglia, the Grade II Listed White Barn at Great Dixter House and Gardens in East Sussex dates from the early 18th century and is believed to have always been white.

It is also very plausible that barns would not have been painted at all. There are numerous examples of unpainted weatherboarding to barns. Unpigmented linseed oil may have been used in these cases – indeed, this is still used for exterior garden furniture for example.

 

 

The White Cottage in the grounds of Framlingham College, now demolished following a fire (Image: Timothy Eason)

Unfortunately, the common assumption that barns should be painted black is well embedded, and it is likely that a compelling justification would be needed to choose a different colour, if a planning application or listed building consent is required. A 1994 planning appeal relating to a barn that had been painted white as part of a residential conversion concluded that ‘Suffolk barns must remain black’. Literature on the subject is fairly limited, and because the use of tar pre-dated the advent of photography, evidence of earlier pigments is only found through remnants of paints on buildings themselves, paintings and anecdotal evidence.

This is not a call to move away from painting barns black altogether, rather an appeal for deeper consideration before assuming that black is the appropriate choice. After all, we paint our homes a variety of colours, why not re-introduce that diversity into our outbuildings?

 

 

Images:

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West Suffolk District Council adopts their new Local Plan

West Suffolk District Council has confirmed that their new Local Plan has been adopted, and will now be used to determine planning applications in the District between now and 2041.

The Plan makes provision for 13,005 new homes and 85 hectares of land for employment growth.

Readers may be aware that the government recently introduced a new methodology for calculating housing need for local authorities. These changes have meant that West Suffolk will immediately start a review of their Local Plan using the new, higher housing need figure.

The policies in the Plan remain similar to those in the previous document. One change of particular interest to our readers is the rural infill policy, SP21, which allows the infilling of a gap within a group of seven or more existing dwellings. In the previous Plan, this was a minimum of ten, and this reduction is welcomed, though a requirement for the settlement to have access to public transport links has been added, and this will present challenges in rural areas.

The Plan includes a policy allowing the conversion of redundant rural buildings to dwellings, but requires 12 months of marketing to demonstrate that employment, economic development, tourism, recreation and community uses have all been ruled out. This is more onerous than similar policies in neighbouring authorities, which usually only require the building to be of architectural merit or the conversion to constitute an improvement in the appearance of the building.

The remaining policies are reasonably standard, though there is a definite focus on green infrastructure and sustainability in this Plan.

If you are interested in property development in West Suffolk, we can help with everything from acquiring land, building consultancy, and selling your development.

 

Image by Thomas Underwood