New Build

randallst

Oxid8uk wrote: »

He didn't actually charge anything. He kept meaning to 'get around to it' but never did. When he was going through the process of buying it the developer suggested a rent of £50 a year. In the lease contract (which you should get a copy of) it will likely state the rent amount to be 'one peppercorn'. I would say you could ask for as much as you want but you will probably have to negotiate. If the garage user refuses to pay anything I don't think there is a lot you can do. This is something you would have to ask your solicitor (another reason not to use the solicitor they recommend).

Many thanks for that information. I will see what I can found out tomorrow/Monday about the garage situation. I know they suggested about £10 a year for maintenance but I never thought about electricity. Good I got some sparkys in the family haha.

caeler

I used the developers recommend solicitor and I had a good experience. I had also used this firm for other things including via work so I was fairly happy with their selection, they gave me a competitive quote so I went with them. Things went very smoothly and I always felt like they were working for me.

I personally wouldn't bother about appliances, best to get your own, you can do your own research and get some deals with a brand you trust. No way should the second garage have power, make sure only yours gets power.

randallst

caeler wrote: »

I used the developers recommend solicitor and I had a good experience. I had also used this firm for other things including via work so I was fairly happy with their selection, they gave me a competitive quote so I went with them. Things went very smoothly and I always felt like they were working for me.

I personally wouldn't bother about appliances, best to get your own, you can do your own research and get some deals with a brand you trust. No way should the second garage have power, make sure only yours gets power.

Would it be easier and cheaper getting my own built in appliances? I will have a look around but to be honest, I will now wait til I hear if I have been accepted for a mortgage now to chase a few other little questions up.

I would hate the thought of giving electric to another garage, it would be my luck I have eco maniac with an electric car on charge every night haha.

I believe I have asked all questions I think I need to. I have been following others advise by scribbling questions down as they enter my head haha.

Just so nervous now haha.

Stu

caeler

Now is the time to be excited! Yay!

For a washing machine and dishwasher your looking at £300 a piece but deals are out there even on the nice brands plus in the region of £200 for a fridge/freezer. Alternatively you can pick up excellent deals second hand. My current fridge/freezer was secondhand but at the time practically new, a couple were moving in together and didn't need duplicate appliance and I took it off their hands 8 years ago for £25, still going strong.

randallst

Don't get me wrong, I'm madly excited inside like a kid on Christmas eve aha! But got it in my head it won't go through, just don't want to get my hope up aha!

I will have a look around for appliances, think the hardest things will be the sofa and finishing touches, will just let the other half sort all that out aha. I have no taste and what taste I have I'm only ever wrong haha.

randallst

Okay so it's all going through =D well happy now and mega excited.

Garage number 2 has no electricity in it so no issues there. Just got to set up an annual rent with the solicitor to pay towards maintenance.

Only thing on my mind now is the completion. I have been told today they est. 27th March but Stamp Duty goes back to 1% on the 24th. I will be going to see the developer on Monday to get the ball rolling and will discuss this further then as I do not want to pay this.

Caeler I am now over the moon it's going forward!! Haha!!

Stu

caeler

Hurray! I remember what is was like with mine. Exchange was a nervous time - I was worried things would go wrong but it was al sorted for the end of November and I completed on 24 December so a perfect xmas gift. Seems like yesterday! Good luck!

GeorgieB123

Hiya I just been reading this. Thanks for all the advice on FirstBuy, me and my partner are hoping to get a flat on this scheme. It will take about 10 years to save a deposit otherwise! I want to say thanks about the tips on haggling for extras, I will certainly try and do that!.
Really worried about the negative equity though when selling later on and trying to secure another house.
Also, flats havent been built and this is the only block of flats being built, but if I dont reserve now they will go. They have built some for shared ownership however which is througha HA. Am I within rights to ask to look around theirs so i would have an idea of what my flat would look like??

randallst

Hi Georgie,

Im glad this post has been some help to yourself. To be honest I was clueless about it all until now (still learning aha). Caeler has been a massive help and support with their comments as they have been through the same.

When it comes to negotiating I would ignore my comments as i am a rubbish negotiator, In my head I'm like a child in a toy shop saying 'I want that one and I want it now!!!' haha! When it comes to carpets I believe the properties come with them anyway so don't fall for the 'If you put deposit down today we'll throw in carpets' since they said that to me and when I went in the next day to reserve, I found out the carpets were ordered a week ago!

On top of your deposit you're going to need about approx. £3k for Solicitors, Brokers, Deposits, Admin etc etc. Never wrote so many cheques!! I don't know if you currently rent or if you're at home but you will need a bit for furniture. I'm quite lucky living with mum and dad as I have been able to buy all my stuff throughout last year with my pennies and have it all ready.

I wouldn't know if you could look around the Housing Associations Flats as they won't belong to the Developer I believe. Someone on here is bound to give you a definite answer.

Keep us updated on what you're looking at, what you've gone for and your journey as I think its really exciting! Im just waiting for the mortgage now from the broker and hopefully be in my place anytime between February-March

All the best
Stu

caeler

Roll on February/March!! I think I was much the same at the negotiation and it was more luck than skill that I got a discount. Pleased my experience has helped people. Negative equity is a risk but as long as you go in with your eyes open and don't expect to sell in a year and make a profit it should work out longer term.