It depends on his financial strength. If he has the money to pay for "old house" he can go to it.My uncle got a deal from is old pal about a old building for sale at a very good price. My uncle was planning on building his own house but this came has an opportunity to him.
Should I ask him to buy the old building or start building a new home for himself.
What is termed old house may not necessarily look old but just because it's a completed project and might not be the exact design he want but his need for the house will equally help him in making the best decision for him