Can't create a new code based project with latest build

Yes you can. It’s offered free like always. The links to Visual Studio 12 Express is here Visual Studio 2012 Express and the Update Patch Update 4 Patch

All you have to do, when VS2012 asks for a Serial, click on the register online link next to the boxes. It’ll make you sign up for a msn account and then once logged in it will give you a free serial.