New homes are more energy efficient. With improved heating and cooling systems, better windows, and greater use of insulation, new homes utilize half as much energy as home built before 1980.

New homes require less maintenance. Newer homes often come with siding and trim that never need painting. Pressure-treated wood that is resistant to rot and insects is also used.

New homes have more amenities. The kitchens in new homes come already built with dishwashers, refrigerators, and other appliances. Bathrooms also often come with more convenient features such as large mirrors and medicine cabinets. There are also more electrical outlets and cable tv and telephone outlets in new homes.

New homes are safer. Electrical systems in new homes are better sized for the heavier electricity demands of today’s homes, and thus less likely to cause fires. Smoke detectors are often hard wired on every level of a new home and ground fault interrupters for bathrooms and kitchens reduce the chance of fire or electrocution.