It’s a very exciting prospect moving into a new home and, if it’s a new build, choosing from a developer’s range of different property styles. An opportunity too, to get things just right before you move in. It’s possible in an off-plan arrangement – where you buy before a development is even built – to really make your mark on your new place’s design.
A new build is virgin territory. With an off-plan scheme, you can get in early enough to ask for a preferred style of kitchen, your choice of bathroom cabinets, appliances, the type of flooring you want, even where you would like the doors. Down to details too, requesting your taste in fixtures and fittings, the wallpaper and the colour scheme. And while you’re about it, see what extras you can have thrown in, such as light fittings or plug sockets.
What’s also very appealing about a new build is that you won’t have to worry getting stuck in a housing chain. You don’t have to wait for anybody to move out of the property. Also, you can take advantage of the Government’s Help to Buy and Starter Home incentives. Sometimes too, incentives offered by the house builders themselves, such as your Stamp Duty bill paid for, or the interior decorated free of charge.
New builds are generally cheaper to run as they include modern materials in their design, which makes them more energy efficient. They are built to better specifications than older houses with better fire safety, lighting, locks on windows and alarms. Plus, they typically come with a 10-year National House Building Council (NHBC) warranty.
There’s a lot to be said for a new build property, but there are also some things you need to keep on top of. Price is one. You can negotiate. Check house prices in similar developments to get some idea. And make sure you know what you’re getting for your money. Does the price include white goods or parking space? If you’re buying a flat in an apartment block, what are the annual service charges and the Ground Rent?
And then there’s what’s called ‘snagging’. These are the teething problems that can occur between exchanging and completion of a property, such as cracks that appear in settling walls or loose guttering. Draw up a list for the builders to fix up before you move in.
If you’re ready to look for your pristine dream home and you’re local, give us a call now. We are premier Swindon estate agents with a selection of dazzling new build properties on our books.