New Builds Vs Conversions

bgeeza

Hi Folks,

Im a BTL FTB looking for a 1 bed flat. In the area that im looking, there seems to only be conversions on the market but these really do not appeal to me. The only thing I will consider is a new build or at the very least a purpose built.

Am I unnecessarily limiting myself? does anyone share the same thoughts that conversions may be harder to sell and more difficult to let.
Is there any truth in this thought?

Bgeeza

dander

Personally, I prefer purpose built - I like to have a window in my bathroom! But lots of people prefer conversions because they like the character features, and prefer to live in a more 'house-like' situation.

I wouldn't have thought it would make any difference at all to ease of letting/selling.

bgeeza

Thanks dander.

Can anyone provide me with a list of things to look out for to indicate a poor atempt at a flat conversion?

lynzpower

In your new builds, you are likely to have an NHBC or similar guarantee, which might help you out with a BTL. Depending how new the build is, you are likely to have fewer probs with boilers/ electrics etc limiting your hassle as a landlord.

Sir_Walter_Raleigh

As a builder and developer I would recommend looking for all the usual things e.g. quality of fixtures and fittings and overall finish. In particular, I suggest enquiring about the system of soundproofing (all conversions need to comply with Part E building regs which require airborne and impact sound testing). The flat will have to pass them before Building Control will sign it off but I recommend checking it out yourself in any case.

terrierlady

with new builds one can chose various options ie tiles,kitchen units etc to suit you.many developers also offer various add ons, spa baths, carpets,curtain packages even furniture packages plus good locations.

missk_ensington

Dont buy a new build! I'm current;y renting a new house until my house completes (a Barratt home if that makes any difference) ad it's a nightmare-glad I don't own it! I can't sleep at night because EVERY little bit of noise-the boiler cranking downstairs, the dishwasher, the washing machine, my son turning over in his bed, next doors creaky doors, next door flushing the toilet, cars outside (the windows have the dodgiest vents that don't actually close properly) can hear everything. I can even hear next door farting and having a shag!

Further, the work is shoddy-the house has clearly just been thrown up. The bath has moved away from the wall entirely, doors don't fit the frames thus you can get locked in a room for hours if you shut the door tightly, the fire is cheap and the bulbs went within about 2 months of moving in, the put in electric saving light fittings which you literally cannot get a shade to fit it (at least not one anyone would actually consider having in their home) so that had to be taken down. Its just poor quality through and through. Now bought an 1800's house, with thick stone walls rather than MDF where I can live in silence and make a few quid as well!

Debras_Angel

missk_ensington wrote:

Dont buy a new build! I'm current;y renting a new house until my house completes (a Barratt home if that makes any difference) ad it's a nightmare-glad I don't own it! I can't sleep at night because EVERY little bit of noise-the boiler cranking downstairs, the dishwasher, the washing machine, my son turning over in his bed, next doors creaky doors, next door flushing the toilet, cars outside (the windows have the dodgiest vents that don't actually close properly) can hear everything. I can even hear next door farting and having a shag!

Further, the work is shoddy-the house has clearly just been thrown up. The bath has moved away from the wall entirely, doors don't fit the frames thus you can get locked in a room for hours if you shut the door tightly, the fire is cheap and the bulbs went within about 2 months of moving in, the put in electric saving light fittings which you literally cannot get a shade to fit it (at least not one anyone would actually consider having in their home) so that had to be taken down. Its just poor quality through and through. Now bought an 1800's house, with thick stone walls rather than MDF where I can live in silence and make a few quid as well!

Miss K,

That's not the case with all new builds, I've just moved into a small development of new builds and the quality is excellent. What needs to be considered is the builder and not a generalisation on new builds. Although I would never buy a Barratt house.

My builder is not one of the big boys but even then not all the big boys are bad.

You just need to do your homework when buying new.

Also you may still get lots of strange noises in the old house!

Cheers

Debs