Character or contemporary? Which is best when buying a home?

Something old. Something new.  That’s often the choice when buying a home with the final decision really coming down to personal taste.

Contemporary homes deliver all the advantages only “newness” can while character homes present just that – character, charm and a sense of history.

Tim Burke, co-director of Luton Properties Weston Creek and Molonglo Valley, says one of the main attractions of contemporary new builds is the tempting prospect of minimal maintenance for an extended period of time.

“Standards have changed over the years and homes are now built with stricter regulations and are delivered with stronger warranties,” he says.

“That provides peace of mind for homeowners – they won’t be up for either continual maintenance or early repair costs.”

Burke says buyers also value the whole package of inclusion like stone benchtops, butler’s pantries, dishwashers, ovens and stoves.

Bree Currall of Peter Blackshaw Manuka says history and charm are the key drivers of character homes.

“They have quite a following among a subset of home buyers,” she says.

“These buyers appreciate the history of a home and look for authenticity – particularly when those homes have been extended and renovated.”

Currall says sash windows, picture rails, high ceilings, and timber floors are sought-after inclusions.

“Presentation is paramount. A character home should exude warmth and welcome; that’s a strong part of the appeal,” she says.

“Another aspect is location and proximity to quality schools and shops – if you can package character and location into a home, it’s hard to beat.”