We all love the feeling of buying something brand new, just out of the wrapper. From the latest new TVs, phones and cars, there’s a special feeling that comes with having the latest new model and knowing that you are the first owner. And it’s no different when it comes to buying a new build home. There are many benefits when it comes to buying a brand-new home; not only does your home come with a sleek modern design and fresh décor, but it’s also more energy-efficient and you’re investing in something that will bring pleasure long after your new phone upgrade.
So, if you’re looking to travel up the property ladder or even take your first steps, buying a new build home could be the right choice for you.
You can make it your own
Sometimes seeking a new build home can feel like window shopping – most new developments will have a snazzy show home that’s attractive, but not always quite what you’re after in terms of interior style. Many people think that buying from a development means that you’ll have the exact same look as your neighbours and if you’re looking for something more unique, then you might have discounted new builds in your search. When you start to consider your property options, write down your wish list of boxes that must be ticked, such as the size of the rooms, garden area and parking. Chat through these with the sales agent and they will give you a better idea of just what’s available, even if there are other developments in a different location matching your criteria more, or ones about to be built.
Yes, the exterior look will be standard and there isn’t much wiggle room there, but the interior is yours to put your own stamp on. From kitchen units, tiling and flooring options you’ll have a range of choices from the supplier and many developers will also allow you to source your own options. Of course, there may be an extra cost if you want a more bespoke design.
Also, with new properties you won’t have the same building and planning permissions as an older property, all of these things have already been taken care of by the developer so you can relax knowing that all of this has been sorted.
Brush up on your haggling skills
The property market goes up and the property market comes down, but one thing stays the same: there are always opportunities to negotiate the price of your new home. Of course, there might not be too much room to negotiate on the overall price, but you could when it comes to the extra costs involved like tiling, flooring and fixtures. Don’t be shy, ask about offers they have running on added extras.
When buying a car, you’d think it wise to visit several showrooms to compare their deals. The same goes for houses: it pays to shop around different developers. This gives you leverage when making an offer that suits your budget.
Make sure you’re covered
Ask about any extra costs, such as factor’s bills for shared spaces, both indoors and outdoors – for example, there may be maintenance bills for parks and landscaped areas.
And, while the standard of new build homes is higher than ever, always check the developer is signed up to an approved warranty scheme. This is a guarantee that proves your property will meet safe construction standards. It also protects you should the developer go bust. A builder or developer with a warranty will also stick to the Consumer Code for Home Builders – which means they must give you a realistic timeline of when your home will be finished. New build homes should also come with a 10-year NHBC (National House Building Council) warranty covering structural defects, but most developers also provide their own two-year warranty.
No upward chain
You may have heard about the dreading pitfalls of being stuck in a property chain when it comes to buying and selling property. But with a new build property you don’t have to worry about waiting for the current owner to move out, all you need to worry about is selling your current home, if you need to, and arranging your finances.
Get to know the neighbours
When viewing any property, you also need to consider your surroundings and, of course, your neighbourhood – neighbours included! With most developments, you’ll find that everyone moves in around the same time as you’re all waiting for your home to be ready and finished. This is a great icebreaker to get to know your neighbours as no doubt you’ll see moving vans coming and going.
Remember, it’s not only a house you’re buying, but also an entire neighbourhood, so always take the time to walk around a new development. You’ll probably find that the development might include a small play area for children or maybe a nice communal garden area.
If building work is not complete on the home you’re interested in, or if it’s a bit of a building site, you can visit other developments by the same company to get a feel for what life will be like in yours.
Remember too, you might also want to find out if there are plans to build new houses or roads near you, as this could have an impact on your development.
Interested in a new build? Search all the latest developments near you at www.s1homes.com/newhomes