The appeal of buying a newly built home in Orlando, Florida is undeniable. It’s the ultimate in convenience and luxury. But for some, buying a new home just isn’t practical. Perhaps it’s a tight budget, or maybe you’re simply looking for a change of scenery. Whatever the reason, there are still plenty of reasons to consider buying an old house in Orlando. There are many reasons why a home built in the past may be more appealing than a home built today and here are the most compelling reasons to consider buying an old house.
1. They’re in Established Neighborhoods
When choosing a neighborhood, home buyers weigh a number of factors—including the school district, crime rate, and walkability. If you’re looking at buying an old house, chances are it’s in a well-established area. An established neighborhood is desirable because it has everything people love – big, shady trees; established schools and nearby businesses; parks and green spaces; and more. When you consider a new development often there’s a few number of growing things, and row after row of identical houses.
2. Old Homes Are Built Better
Old houses were built to last. In general, the quality of construction in older homes will surpass newer builds and in many aspects of the construction, cannot be reproduced today. Older homes might be built with wood made from old-growth trees and therefore more resistant to rot and warping. With real hardwood floors walls made of plaster and lathe making them structurally stronger than the drywall construction of modern homes. These older materials also provide a better sound barrier and insulation.
3. They Tend to Have Larger Yards
In an effort to keep the cost of new homes down and bring in more revenue, homebuilders have favored building larger homes on smaller lots. If you have ideas of planting a big garden, installing a swing or slide, and plenty of room for your kids to run around, some of these may not be possible if you choose a newer home. More often than not, an older home will have a sprawling backyard.
4. They Have More Character
From mature trees and charming curb appeal, to unique or sometimes classical historical details and features, old homes almost always have more character than new homes. If the old owners maintained them, they’ll usually have original details like molding, flooring, tile, built-ins, or other interesting architectural details. While newer homes will reflect the trends of current times, they won’t satisfy the more eclectic appeal.
5. They’re Cheaper
Older homes, typically anything built before 1970, might not be updated, which helps drive down the cost. If you’re not afraid of doing some work and getting your hands dirty, you could buy an old house, usually for a good price, and make a fantastic investment with it.
While house hunting, don’t discount an old houses. They may need a bit more maintenance or updating, but in exchange, they offer new homeowners a wealth of benefits. What some view as eyesores, others see as charm… a home with history that can’t be duplicated. Besides the nostalgia factor, an old house can be a smart investment.