Purchasing a new home can provide big savings to both property owners and the environment, it has been stated.

Housing developer Redrow Homes explains that it may be a safer and more convenient investment than renovating an older property.

"Whilst at first glance a second hand home might appear to be cheaper, renovating an old house to the same standards as a new one could see you forking out over £20,000," comments the firm's group marketing director Simon Bennett.

Costly areas of investment could well include a new kitchen, bathroom, heating system, wiring and windows, he explains.

Redrow explains that buying a new property can also reduce the hassle that first-time buyers may be eager to avoid, as there is no upward chain and no chance of being gazumped.

Meanwhile, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors recently stated that the Scottish property market is experiencing an upward trend, noting that the number of its surveyors reporting a rise in house prices increased from seven to 25 per cent in February.