Mainstream property developer question

JamesN

inatdeepend wrote: »

Just exactly what I was going to say... And you can't verify everything you read on the internet so exaggeration is often used.

Couldn't agree more. It is just a shame as it puts that doubt in your mind, even if its only a one off!

JamesN

Zippy-Wallet wrote: »

I would say that if you know how to handle the developer it can be a good purchase. You get the house you want, without the hassle of being in it when a new kitchen is being fitted or other DIY undertakings.

Always use your own independent solicitor, mortgage advisor and professional snagger. Ask for regular site visits during the build to knock on the head any issues before it goes too far - constant contact will enable you to see the customer care and willingness to make you happy.

Ensure you complete on your timescale; do not let the builder dictate the completion date. Once the house is complete do a full inspection, with your snagger. Only once you are happy then exchange and finally complete.

The people who tend to fall foul in the new build process are those buying around Christmas or end of year. This is the time when bonuses are paid, figures are released so the companies pressure site contractors to finish, purchasers to complete in one of the worst times of year for builds to take place.

As with purchasing anything, a little savvy and research can go a long way to making the purchase pain free. You are spending a huge amount of money; you're the boss!

Does that tend to be a regular process for the developers then? If they refuse to accommodate those requests it would be a sign to steer clear?

With that being the case, how do I go about finding a decent solicitor/mortgage advisor? (i'm in the warwickshire area).

Really appreciate the input from everyone, thanks very much.

kingstreet

We're brokers for three Crest Nicholson sites and I can honestly say we've never had clients moan to us about their build quality.

We're expected to handle some things you would really question why that's the mortgage broker's responsibility, so I'm sure if there was a lot of moaning going on, we'd hear about it.

kingstreet

JamesN wrote: »

With that being the case, how do I go about finding a decent solicitor/mortgage advisor? (i'm in the warwickshire area)

If you buy from Crest, they give you an incentive to use their panel broker and panel solicitor, so see what they come up with.

Other builders tend to do the same to keep control to make the 28 day exchange of contracts target.

Georgesmum79

JamesN wrote: »

The developers I'm considering are crest Nicholson, bovis and bellway. When you Google them for reviews you get all these nightmare stories. Would you all go for a preowned home then? We are looking to stay there for about 8 - 10 years.

My previous property was by Crest Nicholson, stayed there for three years. The quality of finish was excellent and the site manager/his assistant personally checked every piece of work done. It took my 6 months to find any fault with the house (and I am picky)!! Based on that experience I would buy CN again; however, I believe that the quality very much depends on the site manager.
I have been in my CC house for just over a year now: the house is big and warm, nothing major has gone wrong but cosmetic finish was poor. The site manager was either blind or lazy. . Customer service has been fairly good an most snags were fixed quickly, but unfortunately there was a long list of them. It's pot luck buying a new build as standards will vary between sites. If you know anyone on the development you want to look at, I would ask for their opinions (or try your luck here?). A number of my colleagues live on my CC site so the fact that they had't had any major issues gave me confidence in buying.

Georgesmum79

kingstreet wrote: »

If you buy from Crest, they give you an incentive to use their panel broker and panel solicitor, so see what they come up with.

Other builders tend to do the same to keep control to make the 28 day exchange of contracts target.

Actually it's the same for CN and CC: both give an incentives to use their recommended firms, and have actually used the same firm for both CN and CC purchases. There is no need to avoid using their recommended firms and getting money towards it as you will always be the firm's client, not the builder, and they cannot legally act against your best interest. The firm in question did do a lot of digging and got a few extra assurances from the builder for us; I have no concerns over whether they were acting in our or the builder's interest.


When you buy a new build the contract will say that once the builder gives you notice to complete, you have a set number of days to complete (usually about a week). Therefore you can't drag your heels over the completion. My mortgage lender requires a second inspection before releasing the funds, for which the house needs to be pretty much complete: my conveyancing firm negotiated a clause into the contract that said that we couldn't be forced to complete if the house failed the second inspection and the lender would not release funds.


If the developer incentivises the use of Foot Anstey, I have no problems over recommending them: you get money off the bill and an excellent service. A no brainer really!:T

AndyT678

I've never bought a new build but I can tell you this. My mate is a senior manager for Bovis and could buy a new Bovis at a pretty massive discount but never has done...