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Buying a new-built with only Architects Certificate
Elze
Posts: 14 Forumite
We are about to buy a new-built house. However we have just found out it does not have an NHBC Guarantee, only an architects certificate. Most likely because it was built by a smaller builder, custom, for a single owner. The builder is now running a different type of business in the building industry.
To complicate matters further the house was finished in 2009, and has not been completely lived in since then, due to personal circumstances of the owners.
The house looks immaculate (it may well have been decorated recently). It does not have some basics like curtain rails, so clearly has not been fully lived in.
My concern though is, that all kinds of problems could arise when we start properly using the house. What if it turns out the bath is leaking into the kitchen or similar? I am aware that new-builds can have all kinds of starters problems.
Unlike buying an e.g. Victorian House, where owners will actually know all current defects, it seems to me some (quite expensive) defects may come up in future.
What do you recommend? Is there any way of preventing this, eg. a full structural survey? Is it just too big a risk to buy the house? What sort of costs could we face if we find out that 'in use' there are indeed some issues. What sort of issues could come up? And how do we find out that the house wasn't recently redecorated due to a e.g. a leakage problem?
The owners seem incredibly nice people, and all paperwork is immaculately maintained, as is the house. Any thoughts would be much appreciated.
To complicate matters further the house was finished in 2009, and has not been completely lived in since then, due to personal circumstances of the owners.
The house looks immaculate (it may well have been decorated recently). It does not have some basics like curtain rails, so clearly has not been fully lived in.
My concern though is, that all kinds of problems could arise when we start properly using the house. What if it turns out the bath is leaking into the kitchen or similar? I am aware that new-builds can have all kinds of starters problems.
Unlike buying an e.g. Victorian House, where owners will actually know all current defects, it seems to me some (quite expensive) defects may come up in future.
What do you recommend? Is there any way of preventing this, eg. a full structural survey? Is it just too big a risk to buy the house? What sort of costs could we face if we find out that 'in use' there are indeed some issues. What sort of issues could come up? And how do we find out that the house wasn't recently redecorated due to a e.g. a leakage problem?
The owners seem incredibly nice people, and all paperwork is immaculately maintained, as is the house. Any thoughts would be much appreciated.
0
Comments
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There will be some options but limited.
Here is a list of lenders and what their requirements are:
http://www.cml.org.uk/cml/handbook/englandandwales/question-list/527I am a Mortgage AdviserYou should note that this site doesn't check my status as a mortgage adviser, so you need to take my word for it. This signature is here as I follow MSE's Mortgage Adviser Code of Conduct. Any posts on here are for information and discussion purposes only and shouldn't be seen as financial advice.0 -
As none of your concerns relate to mortgages, you may find you get better answers by posting this on HBR&S instead.I am a mortgage broker. You should note that this site doesn't check my status as a Mortgage Adviser, so you need to take my word for it. This signature is here as I follow MSE's Mortgage Adviser Code of Conduct. Any posts on here are for information and discussion purposes only and shouldn't be seen as financial advice. Please do not send PMs asking for one-to-one-advice, or representation.0
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