We bought our first house a few years ago. We did look at new builds, we thought perfect for first time buyers.... nope!!! We found them all VERY expensive for what they were.
The one around here are like cardboard boxes, tiny gardens, neighbours overlooking, poorly built and IMO over priced.
we found a house which is 20 years old which we have added value to, just by redecorating, knocking a couple of walls down and putting in a new kitchen. There are still issues with this house though. It was built by persimmon so no surprise there! They are tit!