New Build (3 years old) Any opinions on New Builds.......

parcival

I have lived in 2 new builds. The first was from a small builder just doing a few at a time. Usual snagging which he sorted and overall quality was suburb.

Current house from a medium sized builder (We are on a development of 80 properties). Have been in the house for 20 years - again usual snagging plus a few other issues but generally very pleased with quality.

balabooberlies

Section62 said:

AdrianC said:

No, it really isn't a new build any more. Even those Georgians were new-build once...

A 3yo car isn't a new one, either, any more than a pre-war Austin Seven is...

Completely agree.

After 3 years the owners have had plenty of time to do their own damage to the property - possibly voiding any warranty (which is likely not worth the paper it was written on in the first place).

The purchaser's mindset needs be that this is just a (second-hand) house with the potential to contain not only the developer's shortcuts and bad practices, but also an extra layer of owner-inflicted problems.

The only difference vs Victorian, Georgian, 1930's, [1960's] is the kind of problems a knowledgeable buyer is going to expect to see before setting foot in the place.

Okay, point taken.

Then the question I need to ask is how do you protect yourself from potential disasters.  I know for the uninitiated a full survey is the place to start.  I am assuming that good home insurance is paramount.

I am just looking to try and help by asking those more knowledgeable for advice, hints and tips.

Thank you

balabooberlies

Thank you Parcival

bala

AdrianC

balabooberlies said:

Then the question I need to ask is how do you protect yourself from potential disasters.

In terms of what?

Your solicitor will work with you to ensure all is what you think it is - in terms of plot, covenants, estate service/rentcharges etc.

Three years is long enough that you can probably rule out "It's a godawful nightmare of a location/property" as a reason to sell.

Obviously, do all the usual pre-purchase due diligence, to make sure the house is what you really want, to make sure that you're happy with the location, any environmental factors (road noise etc), any future development nearby (both already in the pipeline and likely future), parking and traffic woes, etc etc. 

I know for the uninitiated a full survey is the place to start.

An HBR should be perfectly adequate - any really glaring failures in build quality should have become apparent in three years, and - hopefully - been addressed.

You've also got the balance of the warranty, for whatever that's worth.

I am assuming that good home insurance is paramount.

Yes, you're going to need building insurance - your mortgage lender will insist on it, anyway.

Contents insurance is always a good plan - and both-in-one often works out cheaper than separate.

JJR45

balabooberlies said:

AdrianC said:

If somebody else has been living in it for the last 3yo, it's not a new build.

It's just a house.

Am sorry but I don't agree

Victorian, Georgian, 1930's build etc have stood the test of time.  A 3 year old is a baby.  But thank you for your input.

Well the ones left have, the ones with serious issues have been pulled down.
Ever see those old photos of towns and hardly any of the old houses are around anymore?

In reality, building regulations are stricter than they ever been.

balabooberlies

Thank you JJR45

bala

teachfast

People love to scoff at new builds, often because they can't afford them. 

You're wise to do your due diligence. There are amazingly good and amazingly bad new builds and everything in between. 

jimbog

teachfast said:

People love to scoff at new builds, often because they can't afford them. 

^^ Post of the day

Markneath

I’ve owner/occupied a late 90’s new build and a 2006 new build and no issues with either infact both were good houses, yes they had typical new build traits but both were good houses.

I currently live in a Victorian house which is my favourite so far but it has had its share of issues but I like the sandstone walls and bay windows etc. 

I have a couple of btl’s but prefer newer builds for this as the maintenance is much lower. High maintenance costs can make a good btl business a loss maker.

My opinion is there are some very well built old houses and some badly built older houses, the same goes for new builds, there are massive variations in building quality, materials, workmanship  across all generations of housing. 

I also think a lot of the bad older houses have been demolished, the better built ones have been retained.

RelievedSheff

We have been in our new build house for two years now and love it. We have had no major problems with it certainly nothing of any detriment to the house and any minor snagging was sorted out very quickly by the developers. 

This house is certainly a lot more solid house than our previous 1930s semi.

At the end of the day though OP, this isn't your house so I'm notsureyou really have a say in the matter anyway 🤔