buying a show house

sharpee

Show homes are generallyd knocked up quickly so they developer has something to show. We live in an ex show home and 6years down the line both dormer windows are leaking and various other major defects. All because the house was built quickly and no care taken:(

So glad we only rent this place as its been. Nightmare and we're moving out as we.re so fed ups with it

dimbo61

If you have to buy new getting the show home at the right! price can save on all the little extras you forget about when buying a brand new place
Phone line, aerial for TV in each room ! carpets, window blinds/curtains etc. grass for the garden, fencing for the back garden.
It all costs money

ska_lover

sharpee wrote: »

Show homes are generallyd knocked up quickly so they developer has something to show. We live in an ex show home and 6years down the line both dormer windows are leaking and various other major defects. All because the house was built quickly and no care taken:(

So glad we only rent this place as its been. Nightmare and we're moving out as we.re so fed ups with it

Can't your landlord fix the windows etc?

sammyjammy

As has already been mentioned they tend ot furnish with smaller furniture than normal, this makes the rooms look bigger so bear that in mind when looking around and considering your own furniture.

I would never buy a newly built house but have heard horror stories of bedrooms that you cannot fit a bed in!

RoxieW

I'm also considering buying a show home and want to make an offer. But I'm confused as to whether I'd expect to pay more or less for the fact that it's a showhome - more for the fact that the standard of finish is high or less because it's technically not 'brand new' as it's been shown for around 12 mths??

Cash-Cow_3

peterusa wrote: »

We are consideing buying a showhouse.All the views pros and cons are welcome

I hope they put internal doors back in when you buy it!

Seriously, double check the land around it that you are buying. The show home might include what looks like a large area for extra parking or garden but the actual sale area might be less than this. In other words what is currently on the ground might not be what you are buying.

Also be really clear about what is going on around you. Check planning permission plans not developer's own visuals.

elmer

Our showhouse hadnt had any of the showers or baths sealed and the water flow in all the loos was not adjusted properly, non of which they thought to mention before we got the keys.

The leak in the ensuite from our first shower was quite spectacular, and they had to repaint the lounge ceiling after it had dried out, and then the dining room after the childrens first bath.

elmer

barnaby-bear

peterusa wrote: »

We are consideing buying a showhouse.All the views pros and cons are welcome

They usually use the next plot as the show house car park and build on that plot last so another house appears at the last minute 2 inches away from your door!

Furts

peterusa wrote: »

We are consideing buying a showhouse.All the views pros and cons are welcome

|Hi peterusa.

In the past I have given a responsibility for shutting down show homes and preparing them for sale. A lot more work than may be apparent.
As examples, carparks and paved areas become gardens or paths, extensive inappropriate cheap shrubs dug up, telecom and cabletv/broadband laid to the house, internal doors hung, non standard fittings removed (some may remain with the house), garden fencing removed etc.

Then there is the quality...most show homes are built to absurd programmes - no customer or sales staff ever view the brickwork, or roof, or roofspace etc.

The garages are frequently dry lined sales offices - this is removed leaving a potential mess - and the garage doors have often been discarded.

I have seen roofspaces that were never insulated, heating that has run flat out for 2 years and the boiler is shot ( it was never serviced), baths and taps not run in 2 years, blocked drains, leaking toilets etc. All because it was a show home!

Finally my employer used to sell them sold as seen as a secondhand product. Plus, there was no NHBC Warranty on the home. Why? Because it was registered on becoming a show home. The builder was liable, as is usual for the first 2 years, but had nobody living in it to give him any problems. Once 2 years was up they sold it to an unsuspecting purchaser.

Now I am not saying all show homes are bad...just be careful and look past the interior decorating at things that really matter!

Let me know if this helps

be96erj

Hi

Am interested in buying a showhouse that is about 4 years old. What kind of price should I pay for it? Can I expect a reduction because it is second hand now?

Thanks