I'm going to be slightly devils advocate here. MtB's comments are somewhat single sided, and assume the worst. Whilst I fully understand where he's coming from, and there are certainly builders out there who could seriously mess you up, there are also some honest, on time, upfront builders.
I can't be accused of trying to put ourselves forward as your ideal builder, as we have just closed our business, for good, non financial reasons.
A new build...with the right builder...gives you choice, flexibility of style and design, input during the build. Get an independent surveyor of repute to oversee at intervals, have lots of regular visits, arranged and ad hoc, pay in installments, not too much at a time, talk to previous customers out of the builders ear shot.
If you are wanting something different that can't be bought off the peg, it may be the way to go.
The boiat will lose some money to start with, but a good build by a good builder will hold a better price long term.
Whatever you do, all the best!