why avoid new builds?

[perplexedandbemused]

DH and I are looking at houses. Over the years I've come to completely disregard new builds based on a feeling/tone from others, without ever actively questioning the opinion against them.

So, I'm questioning it now. Please can someone explain in simple terms why a person might avoid a new build property?

I wouldn’t dismiss new builds per se.
Some are brilliant some are terrible. But that’s no different to Victorian terrace houses or 1960s suburban houses.
I’d just judge each house on its merits making sure I was taking absolutely everything into consideration ie not just being wowed by the kitchen appliances or flower arrangements in the show home and signing on the dotted line that afternoon like many morons do…

You’ll over pay unless you buy off plan. It’s like buying a brand new car

Only morons think this. Houses are not depreciating assets. Would you expect to pay more for a refurbed Victorian home over a dilapidated one? With new wiring? New boiler? Of course you would. You're paying for turn key condition with low maintenance costs for several years, you're not paying more for nothing.

Tiny gardens with terrible soil, neighbours on top of you, lack of history to the house.

I think it depends on what and where you buy. Big developments are not brilliant but smaller ones can be good.

XVGN
Mine was with Keepmoat. There are lots of developments with them around here in the NW. They were very easy to work with and sorted all snags quickly and without any bother.

My friends have recently bought with McDermott and has had a positive experience with those too (3 families all on the same development).

I can imagine no builders are perfect and there will be some who have minor issues and then there will be some developments that face major issues. I would assume it is mostly down to the site manager and if one is a dick and cuts corners then that will show. If one is on the ball and ensures their team does a good job then that will also show.