I would go for it w/out hesitation! Basements are great for that extra space you always seem to need.
As for leaking, there are so many variables as to why. But, you’re building from scratch so you can easily put in those things that will take care of whatever may come up.
A walk-out basement would be even better because of all the light you would have.
There are systems you can put in and ways to treat the walls, too, to avoid the dampness/wet that could come that way. But, again, if you’re building from scratch, you can take care of almost everything from the outside in.
Oh, the possibilities…!
K