How to ask for extras in new build?

Catie.cord

Hi there !

This might be as stupid question and I have tried to search for similar ones. Although I have found questions about what people got I didn't find any about how to get it.

Basically we just did an early bird on a plot (payed 250£ to have first right of refusal 100% refundable). The builders REALLY wanted us to buy one of their already built houses and even offered to pay our rent if we buy now but the plot we want is in a much nicer position (end of cul de sac) has a bigger garden, etc. The house we want is the more expensive house they build and therefore they don't have many of them which is also why we did this early bird. When the plot is released to be reserved they will call us and we have 48h to decide if we keep it.

They send us a list of extras and it will be about 9k in extras (for really basic stuff and flooring) if not more since there are no prices for fencing and turf yet.

My questions are :

When should we discuss these extras ? At the time to reserve or after reserving or now ?
How do I go about asking about it ? Both me and my partner are quite non confrontational and basically just say okay that is the price fair but I know everyone gets extras and I don't want to pay for stuff I don't have to just because I wasn't brave enough to ask !

Any ideas and tips will be most welcome

Thanks x

RelievedSheff

Just ask.

If you dont ask you dont get.

We ended up getting a great deal on our new build by just being cheeky and asking.

The plot was already heavily reduced as it had been sat around for a while but we also got £10k deposit contribution, a good part exchange deal on our existing property, free flooring, stamp duty paid, legal fees and moving costs contribution.

Turf and fencing (although our plot is mostly walled) were included as standard.

You just need to be quite firm with what you want.

Although a lot will depend if the developers know the plot will sell easily to someone else. We knew from discussions with the sales team that the house type we wanted was proving difficult to sell on this development. Not sure why as it is a cracking little detached house which suits us perfectly.

theartfullodger

Ask. If refused explain no yes, no deal

ethank

Developers tend to fit stock houses with the top of the range appliances, flooring, and the upgraded bathroom and kitchen. It is a marketing trick - firstly they need to keep the build going forward and when people walk round an empty shell - they think too small, can't visualise and don't buy.

Depending on the site you are on, you might get a really good deal, but I would expect them to try to push you on the plot you want, remember, they know that bigger plots, corner plots, larger gardens, not overlooked will earn them more, and they may be prepared to play hardball with you.

Catie.cord

Thank you so much.

There are not a lot of these houses and although they are cheap to us (we come from the south, more expensive market) they will be expensive for most people in this area. However I can see them pushing back on the incentives. When do you think I should ask ? When they ask us if we want to reserve ? Later ?

RelievedSheff

Start the negotiations when you reserve the plot and get everything in writing.