New Builds and Postcodes

LadyMorticia

This is going to sound like a stupid question, but when new homes are built, how long does it take for their postcode to become recognisable e.g. show up on google maps and on those postcode checker things and for the postie to know where to deliver the post to?

I ask because my DH and I will be moving into a new build soon (they're currently still being built but are nearing the end of completion) and I don't want to miss important letters etc when we move in.:o

Jaikagen

Our street has been around for just under a year and doesnt appear on google maps or sat navs etc. Royal mail seem to have no issues, and bigger delivery companies etc, but some places im on the phone to them directing them, like some take aways, and comet and DFS i had to direct here too x

poppy10_2

I lived in a relatively new build for a year, and it never showed up on google maps etc. Was really annoying when you phoned up a company or ordered online and they asked for your postcode - they didn't really know what to do when the postcode didn't show up in their database.

LadyMorticia

Thanks guys.

I think my worry if that I'm on Income Support due to ill health and disability (I haven't been transferred to ESA yet) but I don't want to miss any important forms or letters when I write to them with my change of address.

JayJay14

When we moved 12 years ago it took nearly 6 months for us to be notified of our postcade - we actually found out when DD got a prescription from the doctor and the address was on it. We didn't have a house number (we still even now get letters addressed to Plot 91.)

Government departments get the postcode very quickly even when they don't show up on those other databases. Postmen however are generally very good at delivering to dodgy addresses, once they know you are there. It would probably be worth catching him early on so he can get to know you. A call to the local delivery office might be useful too, especially if there are few occupied houses on the street.

Our biggest problem was getting insurance - the mortgage lenders company said they couldn't insure us without a postcode, even though they had just lended 66k on it!!! I was sat trying to sort it out as the movers were trying to shift the chair I was sat in:rotfl:

jimpix12

I take it you have all submitted your details to Royal Mail through their website?

Most if not all of those postcode lookup services run off that. I have lived in 3 new builds, it depends how quickly the company updates their postcode database from Royal Mail's system. Royal Mail update theirs within 2-3 days of being asked... Companies can take anything up to 6 months if not longer.

As a side note, I found that the best company to order from was Pizza Hut, they had me on their database within a week of adding it to RM. I guess they are aware of the have-no-cooker-yet market

LadyMorticia

Thanks everyone for the replies.:)

spunko2010 wrote: »

I take it you have all submitted your details to Royal Mail through their website?

Most if not all of those postcode lookup services run off that. I have lived in 3 new builds, it depends how quickly the company updates their postcode database from Royal Mail's system. Royal Mail update theirs within 2-3 days of being asked... Companies can take anything up to 6 months if not longer.

As a side note, I found that the best company to order from was Pizza Hut, they had me on their database within a week of adding it to RM. I guess they are aware of the have-no-cooker-yet market

I haven't yet because the homes haven't been completed yet, but I do have a postcode for the road which was on the letter I got telling me my bid has been successful.

TeamLowe

Once you have your postcode, check on google maps/sat navs to see if they have it as a recognised street. Ours isn't and they send people round the back to a different street.
This estate has been here I think three or four years, no issues with post but something to think about when ordering things for delivery/having visitors x x

LadyMorticia

TeamLowe wrote: »

Once you have your postcode, check on google maps/sat navs to see if they have it as a recognised street. Ours isn't and they send people round the back to a different street.
This estate has been here I think three or four years, no issues with post but something to think about when ordering things for delivery/having visitors x x

Just checked and it isn't.

Also checked the Royal Mail website and it isn't listed either and the website is down at the moment so I can't read the "what do do if your new house isn't listed" article!

custardy

LadyMorticia wrote: »

Thanks guys.

I think my worry if that I'm on Income Support due to ill health and disability (I haven't been transferred to ESA yet) but I don't want to miss any important forms or letters when I write to them with my change of address.

RM isnt an issue really
once the address is live then its the other companies that are they issue as to when they update their systems
eg if you got a letter sent to your new address then the 1st part eg CF5
would take it to the delivery office that delivers to that postcode
Its mre a case if the sender has the data/ability to send to that address

mildred1978

TeamLowe wrote: »

Once you have your postcode, check on google maps/sat navs to see if they have it as a recognised street. Ours isn't and they send people round the back to a different street.
This estate has been here I think three or four years, no issues with post but something to think about when ordering things for delivery/having visitors x x

Our house was built 10 years ago and delivery drivers still can't find it with satnav. I have to guide them in.