New Build Queries

userbob984

Hey All,

It's hard to know where to get answers to some of my queries, so hope there are some knowledgeable people out there!

Basically i've reserved a new build, but have not yet exchanged. The development is already a few months behind schedule, was a leasehold, which i'm actually buying the freehold to. And it's now in a state where i could finally complete in the next month.

However i've a few general queries.

1. It's a small estate, and the road through the centre has been adopted. However there's a small turn off this main road in front of my house, which is unadopted, and classed as a private driveway. Would this present an issue when it comes to who might be responsible to repairs, drainage etc?

2. Although i'm buying the freehold, there's a £200 a year charge for communal area upkeep. I'm told this is standard and nothing to worry about. However should this cover the private road upkeep, and should this be explicitly mentioned in the contract?

3. It's now at a state nearing completion, however i've been informed that the top tarmac layer of the driveways on the house and road surface won't be applied for another 3/4 months. Meaning that will have to happen once i'm in the property. Is this standard practice as i've been informed, and would there be any risks in completing on the house before the road surface is applied?

I appreciate any advice you might offer!

lena_halo

1. If it's a private driveway belonging to your house, I guess you will be responsible for repairs?
2. Maintenance fees are standard on new build estates. Whether it covers your private driveway or not might be in the management pack received by your solicitors?
3. Standard for the road surface, they don't like to complete it until all of the construction is completed for the area. When I moved into my flat 5 years ago, it was about 3 months until the road was sorted out. All I can say is watch out for raised manholes, they are a nightmare!

userbob984

lena_halo wrote: »

1. If it's a private driveway belonging to your house, I guess you will be responsible for repairs?
2. Maintenance fees are standard on new build estates. Whether it covers your private driveway or not might be in the management pack received by your solicitors?
3. Standard for the road surface, they don't like to complete it until all of the construction is completed for the area. When I moved into my flat 5 years ago, it was about 3 months until the road was sorted out. All I can say is watch out for raised manholes, they are a nightmare!

Thanks for the quick reply!

1. It's actually the road in front of my house, so doesn't belong to me or anyone who might buy another of the houses.
2. I guess this is the part i need to chase down, if this small section of private road is maintained.
3. That makes me feel a bit better, if it's common practice i guess it's just part of the new build purchase process.

lena_halo

If the road doesn't belong to you/your house, it'll likely be covered under the management fees paid then, check the management pack with your solicitor

whatdoyouthink...

As above the management fees are standard, I pay an annual fee even though my house is freehold. The top layer of tarmac is also standard, I moved into my house in December and it was Friday of last week that we finally had our driveway finished.