New Build Homebuyers Want Conservatories

Published: 10/09/2010

Buyers of new build homes have said that they would be interested in adding a conservatory to their property.

Research revealed that 23 per cent of people said that they were attracted to the option of building a conservatory to a new build home while it was still in construction.

This figure more than tripled to 80 per cent when the survey respondents were told that conservatories are VAT exempt on new homes, which could result in a saving of £2000 or more compared to buying one after the property is completed.

David Simpson, business development director, said that more should be done to alert new build buyers to the VAT saving as this could generate increased interest in bespoke conservatories.

"It is astonishing that house builders are not promoting this financial saving to their customers, particularly as this survey indicates the level of demand which exists," he added.

The survey also found that a third of respondents would be keener to buying a new home if they were offered the chance of having a conservatory, with 38 per cent claiming they would actively find a house builder who offered optional extras.

Most people saw conservatories as a space to spend time with loved ones as 77 per cent said they would use a conservatory to relax in and entertain family and friends.

Converting conservatories into structures like orangeries was less popular with respondents as just one per cent said they would use the space for growing vines, peaches and other tender plants favoured by the Victorians.

An increasing number of people are planning to use their conservatory as a more productive space as more are opting to utilise the structure as an office or a permanent dining room.

Interior design options were popular with respondents as over 40 per cent wanted ceramic floor tiles and 38 per cent required blinds for their bespoke conservatories in order to reduce glare and improve insulation.

"Homebuyers on new estates are far more interested in using their garden space for leisure activities, and this survey reveals that a conservatory plays a big part in this. It seems that the patio set, the gas barbeque and the all-weather conservatory are the essentials of the modern British summer," added Mr Simpson.

Insurance company Aviva are advising people with bespoke conservatories to take out cover this summer as broken windows are more common during the football world cup as people try to emulate their favourite players.