New build-full reservation and choices meeting... what happens?

jonnym8083

Hi all as the title suggest we are due to go to complete full reservation on a new build where we will pick our choices...
At this stage will we receive the full plans for example it’s a full open plan kitchen we would want to know the space the kitchen takes up so we can measure up for furniture etc
Also things like who the utilities will be with...
Window sizes and drops to pre order curtains?
Where sockets lights and radiators will be.

What other kind of things and info and we expect to get at this stage?

Also is there anything I should be asking specifically at this stage?

If anyone is a new build buyer or has just competed this stage and help or advice would be great:)
Thanks again

happyandcontented

Can I ask did you pay the price quoted or are you able to negotiate a lower buying price on a new build?

I am looking at one, but have no idea whether as with the normal house buying process you can negotiate or essentially make an offer, or whether the price is completely fixed by the builder.

AdrianC

Honestly, I wouldn't go pre-ordering too much until it's actually built. Sizes and positions can change - either through factors beyond their control, or through simple human error.

Who the utilities are with simply doesn't matter a jot at this stage.

Think of it as an opportunity for them to upsell you kitchen/bathroom fittings, and you'll be closer to the mark.

jonnym8083

Site is selling quick so wouldn’t budge on price... I’m in sales myself so I have tried everything... managed to get a dishwasher...
Site naturally selling so they don’t need to discount... if I don’t buy the house someone else would at the same price...

Mutton_Geoff

jonnym8083 wrote: »

if I don’t buy the house someone else would at the same price...

Which is exactly how they want you to feel. I wonder where in the country this development that seems to be bucking the current market trend is?

Dancer11

We’ve just exchanged on a new build, to complete in March, but we’re not with one of the mainstream developers.
We are in Kent and have also paid asking price. Our plot was released at the end of September, once the roof and windows were in. We reserved 3/10, our plot was one of only two 2 beds on the site, the first having been reserved the day before we did, and with lots of interest already there was no need for them to reduce the price. Whilst I was completing the reservation form another couple arrived wanting to reserve a 2 bed, so I got there just in time!
We have got £1k towards legal fees and carpets to lounge, stairs, landing and bedrooms as an incentive.
Fortunately, we have flooring to all other areas, all white goods and a turfed garden and patio included as standard. We upgraded our kitchen worktop and our garage door to an electric one.
We chose our kitchen cupboards, floorings and tiles for bathrooms the week after reserving, and that’s when we saw the plans etc too.
We have been able to visit the site and look inside our house a few times since, and today when we went the plasterboard is all up. So excited!

daveyjp

I hate to dampen excitement, but act in haste, repent at leisure.

If these are freehold and have an associated ongoing management charge (a potential licence to print money) ask for the agreement and get a solicitor to have a look at it.

Dancer11

Ours is freehold with an annual management charge, but as soon as the last house of the 22 is sold, (due to be ready for completion in November 2020) then we are able to form our own residents management company.

scholesfan88

Mutton_Geoff wrote: »

Which is exactly how they want you to feel. I wonder where in the country this development that seems to be bucking the current market trend is?

I'm buying a new build in the NW and the developers wouldn't budge on price.

All houses have sold for asking price apart from 5k off the last house to be sold, as the garden was tiny.

It's unusual for a builder to slash prices on new builds around here.

rachel230

I agree with the comments that say any new builds being "snapped up" are bucking the trend.
I know it's not what you asked in your original post, but do you know if the council will be adopting the estate? If not (more and more councils are now not adopting as it saves them money), then bear in mind you will be paying possibly to maintain roads, lighting, open areas etc as well as paying full council charge. Don't believe anything the sales staff tell you. Get everything in writing.
New Build Estates are now being monetised and used as income streams via estate charges, service charges, permission fees, increasing ground rents.
Do your homework - it's about a lot more than just buying a property. There are many conditions attached that you have no control over.
Above all - do not use the developer's recommended solicitor, no matter what incentives you are offered. Their client should be you- but it isn't! Their client is actually the developer!! Be cautious and research..

nik_k

This is what we went through on our reservation appointment:

• Purchase price
• Financial arrangements
• Anticipated completion date
• Maintenance charge
• Mortgage arrangements
• Legal contact(s)
• Specs/finishes
• Initial discussion re colour/specs/extras
• NHBC warranty
• Waste storage/collection
• Handing of property (i.e. does it match brochaure, or is it mirror image)
• Conveyance plan (boundaries/accesses/rights of way/parking)
• Technical plan
• Positioning of street lighting
• Drainage plan
• Location of affordable/social housing
• Location of public open spaces/play areas
• Intended finish of roads
• Surface water drainage plans
• Reservation fee and reservation period before exchange
• Documentation fee upon completion
• Consumer codes, customer charter, complaints procedure
• Development layout/site plan
• Elevation plans
• Floor plans
• Restrictive covenants

Hope this helps!