Opinions on purchasing a new build

Weathergirl_76

I have always steered clear of new build properties, only due to hearing horror stories with the build element, issues with guarantees and workmanship, and smaller rooms.  I am now considering broadening my options when I move, as there seems to be a few for sale, that are 3-5 years old which offer everything and don’t need any updating. Is it true that you can’t  hang pictures up as nails go straight through the wall? How easy is it, if a problem arises to fall back into the guarantee and get the issue resolved? Thanks in advance for your comments. 

ElizabethRose

It depends on the original builder. A quick search will show you horror stories about the larger builders but lots of people are also happy with them. It depends on who worked on the site so two persimmon sites may have different build quality due to the workmen. A new build doesn't necessarily mean Smaller rooms, sometimes Smaller builders are more generous. 

My view would be to go view the properties to see how the size feels for you and lifestyle. Look on local groups to see if people are moaning about the build quality of a particular site. Also reach out to friends of friends that may live on the site for their honest opinions on the quality whilst living there.

AdrianC

Weathergirl_76 said:

Is it true that you can’t  hang pictures up as nails go straight through the wall?

ALWAYS use appropriate fixings for a wall. If it's plasterboard studwork, then either screw or nail into the stud... or use a proper plasterboard fixing.
I quite like this type...

https://www.screwfix.com/p/fischer-self-drill-plasterboard-fixings-metal-35mm-100-pack/47347
Dead easy to use, and stronger than you'd expect - but don't put too much weight on them... The weak link is the plasterboard itself.

Bapping a nail into plaster or plasterboard and expecting it to stay is optimism, no matter the age of property.

[Deleted User]

There also seems to be an abundance of these second hand new builds for sale where I live and it does make me wonder why so many people want to sell up and move on from them after a few years. 

I know people who have bought new builds and been very happy with them. I also know people who bought new builds and hated them. Quality seems to vary from development to development. I guess its just up to you to do your research like you would do with any other housing estate. Have a search on google/social media for the estate name and perhaps also go and knock on a few random doors round the estate for an opinion from some of the residents. 

GixerKate

All houses were new at some point, I would view them as you would any other house.  You only really hear horror stories as everyone likes to have a good moan but people don't bother if everything is going well.

Initially we stayed clear of new builds for the same reason as you but viewed anyway and have to say, we are very happy with ours, the rooms are spacious, the location just what we want and the build quality is good.  Plus everything is new so its not a situation of moving into a house and worrying about what happens if something is going to go wrong as if anything does go wrong you make a phone call and someone appears and fixes it.  Yes we have settlement cracks and we are waiting for a full year before decorating but we do have pictures and photos up on the walls.

All in all, my suggestion would be to view it the same as any other house, go view and if you like it then do more investigation and take it from there.

AdrianC

Deleted_User said:

There also seems to be an abundance of these second hand new builds for sale where I live

"Second-hand new-builds"

Or, as they're more normally referred to, "houses". Everywhere was a new-build once, perhaps centuries ago.

RelievedSheff

We bought our new build a couple of years ago now and are very happy with it. It is everything that we wanted from a house.

You get good and bad with all types of property. Our last property was a 1930's ex local authoroty semi which people often claim to be well built. Ours was atrocious. 

As to why these houses come onto the market, well people's situations change. The oldest houses on the estate we are on are about 30 months old and some of those have recently come up for sale. The reasons vary from moving for work, couples separating and others upsizing to bigger properties.

gagahouse

AdrianC said:

Weathergirl_76 said:

Is it true that you can’t  hang pictures up as nails go straight through the wall?

ALWAYS use appropriate fixings for a wall. If it's plasterboard studwork, then either screw or nail into the stud... or use a proper plasterboard fixing.
I quite like this type...

https://www.screwfix.com/p/fischer-self-drill-plasterboard-fixings-metal-35mm-100-pack/47347
Dead easy to use, and stronger than you'd expect - but don't put too much weight on them... The weak link is the plasterboard itself.

Bapping a nail into plaster or plasterboard and expecting it to stay is optimism, no matter the age of property.

My newbuild is all plasterboard internally. Using the above raw plugs I've had no problems fixing things to my walls. As long as you follow AdrianC's advice and don't put anything too heavy on them you should be fine. 
I fixed a metal hanging rail 1.8 metres across in the built in wardrobes using eight of these equally spaced apart and all my clothes / suits are hanging on there with no bowing or movement of the rail at all.

SouthLondonUser

You need to give some context. Where are you looking to buy? What's the local market like? What is your budget? Etc.

Are you looking to buy off-plan? Are you looking to buy leasehold or freehold? Even if freehold, are there additional charges, eg for unadopted roads? Look up "fleecehold unadopted roads".

In London I would never want to buy a newbuild. Elsewhere it may be different.

eddddy

Weathergirl_76 said:

... that are 3-5 years old which offer everything and don’t need any updating. Is it true that you can’t  hang pictures up as nails go straight through the wall? How easy is it, if a problem arises to fall back into the guarantee and get the issue resolved?

The guarantee/warranty will almost certainly only apply to major structural components - after 3 to 5 years. (And many people report that warranty providers will fight very hard to reject any claims.)

If there was a builder's warranty in the first place, it would only last 2 years. After 2 years you will be responsible for repairing most types of damage, even if it was a result of poor workmanship or poor materials used by the builder.

Suseka97

You'll also read plenty of 'horror stories' about older properties - so you shouldn't limit your options, especially if you see a new build in an area you really like.   The only way to really tell if a new build will suit you is to go and have a look at some and then do your research on the development and builder, if you see one or two that takes your fancy.