Is anyone happy with their new build?

Beeper

Hello! So my question is as above, has anyone bought a new build and is happy enough with it?

I feel like there are pros and cons to both and there are different problems with buying a new compared to an older build and certainly don’t expect process to go as smoothly the developer has described. There are specific things regarding coventants, estate management charges (which are small now) etc that I want my solicitor to look at but I’m thinking more overall/ in general. With all the horror stories online, I’m wondering is anyone happy enough with their new build (that was built by one of the big developers)?

I have a friend who bought from Gleesons as a buy to let. I think they have a rep for building in horrible areas where no one would want to live so the houses can be cheap. The area around his house has actually gentrified in the past 5yrs so he’s very happy with his investment but he doesn’t live there. I’m aiming to living in mine for about 5-7yrs and then might move out of the area

Thanks

pinkfluffybabe

Absolutely. I'm with Taylor Wimpey. There has been snagging but in the main they have been reasonable about getting it done.

I read a lot of horror stories before we bought, and was quite nervous, but it's been fine. I think it largely comes down to Site Manager and staff.

whatdoyouthink...

Happy with mine too, and as above, we've had a few snags but the builders (anwyl) sorted them very promptly and they have been nothing too serious. Site manager and sales reps have been great too so theres no complaints from me

pinkteapot

I've not had a new build but am tempted next time after having to do all the maintenance on older houses, and have several friends who are very happily living in new-builds!

As with most things in life, people who are happy keep quiet and it's the minority who have had problems who are vocal online.

The main thing with new-builds is they are always more expensive than an equivalent-sized older house, but when you come to sell you don't make that premium back. This matters less if you keep the house for the long-term but I wouldn't buy a new-build if it's only a few-year house, unless the market is REALLY rising.

Crashy_Time

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-46302905

PasturesNew

My sibling bought one. Happy enough with the house.

The neighbour liked it so much they "traded up" about a year later to another on the next phase.

The management company though have been "a bit irritating" and have had to be reined in.... gentrifying and adding in facilities and trying to remove some benefits that were enshrined in the deeds.

As for sheds... everybody chucked one into their garden irrespective of the restrictions saying not to.

The main issues have come from people with trade vehicles parking there - not allowed under the restrictions - and people with 3-4 cars when their house only came with one spot and the restrictions say roads must not be parked on by residents (roads are for visitor parking, deliveries etc).

I think the best houses are most likely to be those 5-10 years old... as the niggles have been ironed out and the area has "settled in", so you can SEE the sort of neighbours/problems you'll be getting.....

Brock_and_Roll

Will a new house or flat built today still be standing in 100 years time?

I bought a new flat 20 odd years ago and I would be amazed given the construction quality if it has the longevity of victorian housing stock for example. In fact I would be surprised if it makes it to 50 years.

But does it even matter? You see a similar thing with City office buildings - the lifespan is shortening.

My current 200 year old house has a few issues.....but it will definitely still be standing in another 100 years (unless someone gives me a couple of mill to build flats on it!)

davidmcn

Brock_and_Roll wrote: »

I bought a new flat 20 odd years ago and I would be amazed given the construction quality if it has the longevity of victorian housing stock for example.

Lots of Victorian housing stock was pretty shoddy. By definition, we only see the well-built examples!

Jane_B

As long as you know what you're getting into its fine. I have no issues with my current home. A few snags (ok about 200 snags but most were small) were fixed in the first year.

Again with the estate charges, educate yourself and you'll be fine

SallyDucati

I moved into a new build house from a small developer 3 months ago. I am very happy, a few very minor snags that have been sorted out. I've heard the sound insulation can be bad in new builds, but I only occasionally hear my neighbour moving around, and have not once heard his TV.

My sister also moved into a new build house about a year ago. Houses there only have one parking space (I have 2), and I have to say it's a nightmare to park when I visit. Very little visitor parking that is taken up with 2nd cars of resident families. No on-road parking as the parking spots are all along the front of the houses. Her neighbours have also complained about her TV so the insulation can't be as good as my house.

Overall I would say it depends on the builder/development, you can't broad brush it.

NeilCr

I've had two new builds - one a flat and one a house. Both from small builders and both I have been very happy with. I made a good profit on the flat (enough to pay off the mortgage) and the house I am in is ideal for me and I have no intention of moving unless I physically have to.

A Managing Agent said to me that the three main problems she faced with estates/blocks were parking, noise and rubbish. I agree with that - communal bins can be a nightmare and we are definitely short of parking here. Much more parking space at the flat as there was a lot of room round the back.

In both instances we acquired the freehold and had a residents run Management Company. I think this is preferable to an outside freeholder as we have control. I've been a director, too, so I can have a say in the day to day running