Negotiation and process of buying new build.

MrParsons

Would i be classed as a first time buyer? I have a home which was inherited however I have never had a mortgage.

We have a certain type of spec, primarily open plan kitchen/diner type properties and that seem to be more predominany in new builds. I have had a quick look in countesthorpe but net seen anything as yet which meets out needs.

Realistically its going to be at least 2 months until we seriously look to move house and put ours on the market.

OddballJamie

Sorry, I presumed you would be using all of the proceeds from the sale of the inherited property, so wouldn't have any need to use one of the government 'schemes' to purchase a home.

Don't get me wrong I'm not knocking buying a new build, I bought one in October 2011 and my parents did back in 2009, both love them, although I had several snags that have been sorted out by the builders.

I just wondered if there was any used newish houses about (less than 10 years old) that you would consider as you have a good deposit.

MrParsons

We wouldn't rule anything out. I wasn't planning on using any government scheme really, unless there would be benefit to doing so. At this point I havent looked into any of the schemes.

cathh70

I know this development well, have looked at it a couple of times, but Countesthorpe is not really where we want to be.

I agree that the houses are a little overpriced, but compared to other builders in the area they seem better value, especially with the solid internal walls. The development seems to be selling well, most of the better plots (IMO) are sold and/or lived in already.

As for Redrow not discounting, I think it depend on timing. They also have a development at Glenfield. The show home, originally up for 725k, is now at 650k after the sale fell through.

MrParsons

Hi Cath,

Did you ever talk to them about pricing? If so what kind of response did you get?

We are looking at other areas as well its just im trying to find out enough information about new builds to make an informed decision on whether it would be worth it. We're going for a viewing of the actual houses we would be interested in at the weekend.

There's not that many plots left as it is however they are building loads more houses on the land. Will they not start this process until all plots are sold?

migry

I'm looking at a new build. North Bristol area. There are several developments (Bovis, DWH, Redrow, Barrett) all within a few miles of each other.

My only concerns with new builds (apart from the sky high cost) is that the garages look unlikely to take my car, and the gardens are tiny - microscopic, which makes the gardens very overlooked. Clearly front gardens are a thing of the past. Pretty disgusting considering the prices which are being asked. Prices reflect local conditions. In Wales the price of the new build property type I am looking for is £50k less.

I prefer the XXXXX development, but they have very few of the house style which has a double garage and which is within my price reach. Two won't even be started for another 6 months. I've beeen into the office a few times, asking lots of questions, but some obvious ones surprisingly can't be answered (what broadband speed can you get? Can I put up a satellite dish?). Almost all the sales people have been helpful, with the exception of one woman (I don't know her name). Considering I am possibly spending a chunk of money I expect more respectful behaviour towards customers. Perhaps they've met their target for this quater ;-)

I am effectively a cash buyer, so I have tried to ask the right questions to see what kind of a deal I can get. The best so far is "we'll throw in carpets".

I'm out of my depth here. Good luck to the original poster.

cathh70

MrParsons wrote: »

Hi Cath,

Did you ever talk to them about pricing? If so what kind of response did you get?

We are looking at other areas as well its just im trying to find out enough information about new builds to make an informed decision on whether it would be worth it. We're going for a viewing of the actual houses we would be interested in at the weekend.

There's not that many plots left as it is however they are building loads more houses on the land. Will they not start this process until all plots are sold?

We didn't talk about pricing. We found that even though they seemed slightly more expensive, they did seem to have a lot more as standard, where Taylor Wimpey Narborough for example expect you to pay for the smallest upgrades, and things you think should be included are not.

I don't know about the build schedules. I'm sure that a lot of the next batch are reserved, but their website does still list a few different house types. The next releases probably won't be to far off.

OddballJamie

Migry - When we bought our new build we had a list of things we weren't suppose to do, satellite dishes were mentioned stating we couldn't put one on the very front of the house. After speaking to the Site Advisor, they were fine with this as all the other houses had already been sold. I think it's more of an image thing.
Broadband speed can be checked online on sites such as http://www.broadbandspeedchecker.co.uk/broadband_speed_in_my_area.aspx although they may not recognise the new postcode so you will need to find a close one.

cathh70 - Completely agree with you about T&W, one site we were interested in were charging for turf and a fence unless we wanted a piece of wire between back gardens. When we tried to negotiate, we were rudely told the only things included in the price were the windows, doors and the air inside.
I took great satisfaction a few weeks later when I received a follow-up call from the same advisor. I could then tell her we bought a house from their competitors a few streets away.