Nearly 2/3 of Homebuyers Prefer Old Homes to New Construction, Study Shows

In a new study conducted by 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty, 62% of homebuyers reported a preference for old homes (built prior to 2019) over newly constructed homes (2019 or later).

The survey, conducted in December 2025, asked 501 homebuyers and 501 current homeowners about their experiences living in new and old homes. Respondents in each category were split evenly between male and female (49% for each, with the remaining 2% identifying as non-binary or choosing not to disclose their gender). The average age of homebuyers surveyed was 41; the average age for homeowners was 46.

Location is a Top Priority

47% of respondents actively looking for a home stated that they were first time home buyers. Location was the overwhelming deciding factors for those looking (61%), with the home’s overall maintenance profile/history (25%), its size (12%), and its date of build (2%) being additional factors.

Buyers Prefer Older Homes…

Pitting older homes against newer homes, 62% of homebuyers revealed a preference for homes built prior to 2019. Breaking it down even further, 35% prefer homes built 2000-2019, while 27% prefer homes built before 2000. For the 38% who prefer newer homes, 31% prefer homes built 2020-present, with 7% preferring custom-built homes.

The most common belief among surveyed buyers is that old homes are better constructed (77%), with 59% saying the old homes hold better value. 58% of respondents said they would pay more for an old home in good condition compared to 42% willing to pay more for a new home.

Typically lower prices (42%), being in an established neighborhood (41%), and overall location (36%) were cited by home buyers as pros of older homes, with higher maintenance needs (63%), outdated home systems like plumbing or electric (49%), or hidden issues like mold or asbestos (38%) being the top cons.

49% of respondents cite minimal repairs needed as a major pro for new construction, followed by modern amenities (also 49%) and many appliances and house components still being under home warranty (42%). As for cons, buyers noted higher property taxes (36%), a price premium for new construction (33%), and an overall higher price (30%).

And Homeowners Agree!

Homeowners were asked the same sets of questions and matched home buyers preferences for older homes (60%) compared to newer homes (40%). A third of respondents prefer homes built 2000-2019, with 27% preferring homes built before 2000.

81% of surveyed homeowners believe that older homes are better constructed, with just 19% believing the same of newer homes. Two-thirds (66%) feel that older homes hold more value, with 59% saying they would pay more for an old home in good condition than a new home (41%).

Lower prices (45%), established neighborhoods (44%) and higher quality construction materials (38%) were the top pros for buying older homes among homeowners. Higher maintenance needs (63%) was the top con, followed by outdated home systems (48%), and less energy efficiency (40%). Only 9% of respondents who currently own older homes say they regret their purchase.

For newer homes, top pros included minimal repairs (58%), energy efficiency (53%), and having appliances still under warranty (35%). Higher property taxes (38%), HOAs (33%), and minimal landscaping (28%) were cited as the most common cons. 11% of homeowners who purchased new homes regret their purchase.

For the full survey from 2-10, visit here.