New House - Completion but not allowed to move in!

apcorbett

Just had a call from the house builder...

'We'd still like to complete on April 29th, but we'd don't want to let you move in for another month, whilst building work is completed on the other properties on the plot - but we'll pay your first month's mortgage''.

Am I missing a trick here, but why would they want to do this? And is there anything I should be asking for as well as just the mortgage paid for?

bockster

i don't know the answer to your question, but you are right to question their motives! i suspect something untoward, but to what degree?? i think i would be looking out for the builders maybe doing remedial work to your property for some reason?? if you want to negotiate, you could perhaps ask for extras on your property that may cost a lot otherwise but for the builder would be quite easy, they would more likely readily agree, like landscaping, porch lights extra sockets, etc ?? also let your solicitor know to see what he/she says. could be completely harmless though,,?? a caring builder??!!

apcorbett

Indeed, that's why I was a bit sceptical...

The director of the company is phoning me on Monday to go through their offer, and my requests...

loanranger_4

Looks like someone is going to pay big, are there any penalty clauses in your contract if they are late, you could use these to negoatiate higher compensation!?

As mentioned check with your solicitor if it's going to be fine to complete under these circumstances, he may suggest delaying completion until you can move in?

patchwork_cat

Have they got a show house, if not are they showing people around your house?

Having bought a new house in phase 1 of a development I would ( once you are happy with their motives and your solicitor is happy it is above board) say that to move in with builders all around is a nightmare.

Our next door neighbour's house was completed 5 months after ours and that was one awfully long summer!

terrierlady

MAYBE its end of year for the developer who needs to count this plot in, this is usual on many developments, NOW, how good are your negotiation skills? what do you need ?
now is your chance to get it, they want to complete and will be very keen to keep this completion on schedule. I'm sure you can use this to your advantage.
Anyone looking to buy a property?
try to find the end of year date or end of quarter date,lots more incentives around then.

jockettuk

something similar happened to a friend of mine.. yes they wanted to complete but the road the house was on wasnt suitable for cars and heavy lorries still going past there house.. she got for her troubles a new lawn front and back and they were really helpful when she did move in and found she needed this or that.. like some paving slabs for a small patio ec.. so talk to the manager on monday and tell him only if you can when you move in and you find you need some items they will be obliging lol .. dont forget to get a new lawn out of them as well if they only give you soil as a garden

apcorbett

Thanks for all the advice - greatfully appreciated.

Complete tomorrow, and they are paying the mortgage for a month, chopping down a tree in the back garden, and making sure that they re-turf the whole of it when the tree is gone..

They are also allowing me to install telephone lines, satellite dish etc. before we can move in, so it does sweeten it slightly.

It turns out that they've had so many complaints from those that have already moved in, and they haven't finished the new detached house to my side, so still having access to my property is useful for them...