New build - Do I, Dont I

Lord_Baltimore

DavyNix wrote: »

Could I ask if there are any usual areas which I can push for them for a little extra help - Maybe window blinds or flooring? In this build the kitchen comes completely fitted but flooring is left to me along with the garden (which is just top soiled).
Thanks again...

This will depend on how well the houses are selling. As a rule of thumb, Developers prefer to 'give' extras rather than reduce house prices which they feel devalues their builds on the open market. That said, 5% reduction, some flooring, a turfed garden and a few other white goods upgrades is easily achievable.

You won't get if you don't ask; and if you ask and give in too easily you won't get far. But it is an assessment you have to make in the overall scheme of things.

Incidentally, the smaller rooms are easier to heat and they stay warmer longer; you'll have hot water on tap all the time, a place to park, enough toilets even for 3 kids and you won't have any decorating to do .

ethank

You should ask for lots of extras, but there are currently 4 buyers for every house on some developments - so the bargains of 2013 are no longer around!

London_Town

So much depends on your location and the quality of the development.

However, many new builds will have smaller plots. While this will generally mean smaller rooms, it will certainly mean smaller gardens and less parking. Many will have allocated parking in communal areas which can cause all sorts of trouble.

New builds can often lose value in the first few years, simply because they're no longer new. After 5 or so years, they have to compete with other older homes on sale locally and one thing that can go against them is the smaller plots. You can do anything to update an older property but you can rarely if ever, increase the size of the plot.

As an example, my 2 bed end terraced was built in 93 and has a large side and front garden. Ther biggest advantage of this is it gives me more privacy by putting me much further away from the estate road and other houses. By comparison, a friend of mine has recently bought a brand new 4 bed detached house on a new build development. While it is a lovely house, it's only about 30cms away from the pavement and loses alot of that privacy - a big deal in my opinion.

Of course, not all new builds will compromise on plot size but many do. I'd suggest you compare yours to what you can get for the money on a house from at least 20 years ago. Just so you can make an informed descision.