Buying a new build negotiations/additions

TripleH

We've just bought a new build and had no options for extras (bust developer & initial buyer pulled out).

The finish we have isn't as good as the house 3 doors down which was the first finished. This was due to supply issues in the current climate. Although you shouldn't (?) have these issues or have them as severe.

980233

berrybum said:

Hello,

I'm looking to buy a newbuild (Bellway).  It is off plan, I don't think the foundations are in yet.  The area is extremely popular so I don't think we'll be able to haggle anything at all on the asking price.  Is it still worth asking for anything to be thrown in?  Not sure how easy it is to negotiate in today's market?  Having a look online I think the main additions to consider are things within the walls, i.e. if we want more plug sockets/light switches/outdoor socket.  We'll probably change the kitchen style but can't change the layout.  Last year we put in a new double oven (electric) and microwave and induction hob in our house so I was thinking we could just opt for standard appliances (which are included) and do a cheeky swap?  I think the oven is hard wired in so would need a sparky for that but figure cheaper than paying for their upgraded oven?

I think we'll leave flooring and do that when we move in, we can cope with the upheaval as lived in a building site for years.  Likewise we will probably switch out the basic sockets and switches to brushed steel in time ourselves.

It all seems a bit of minefield in comparison to buying an older house but the area we're looking at is so popular and not much is coming on the market for resale hence turning to new build (plus my husband is adamant he doesn't want another project hehe!

Any other advice really welcome!!

Thanks!

We're buying from Bellway in Berkshire and managed to get 10k off the price and the mortgage valuation didn't downgrade the price as I expected this for a new build.

Also got them to throw in standard flooring throughout, turf and overhead shower in the main bathroom which I estimate would cost in the region of 5k to 10k.

Paid extra for the upgraded kitchen unit as it wasn't as extortionate as I expected and had extra sockets and external socket included for a price.

berrybum

980233 said:

We're buying from Bellway in Berkshire and managed to get 10k off the price and the mortgage valuation didn't downgrade the price as I expected this for a new build.

Also got them to throw in standard flooring throughout, turf and overhead shower in the main bathroom which I estimate would cost in the region of 5k to 10k.

Paid extra for the upgraded kitchen unit wasn't wasn't as extortionate as I expect and had extra sockets and external socket included for a price.

Ooh interesting, can I ask if the demand was really high?  Did they say what restrictive covenants you may face?  Any other info or tips most welcome 

Thrugelmir

Restrictive convenants generally cover anything which will change/detract the appearance of the property. While the development is under construction the developer will wish a uniform appearance to be maintained. Once completed and moved on they'll have no further interest. 

980233

berrybum said:

980233 said:

We're buying from Bellway in Berkshire and managed to get 10k off the price and the mortgage valuation didn't downgrade the price as I expected this for a new build.

Also got them to throw in standard flooring throughout, turf and overhead shower in the main bathroom which I estimate would cost in the region of 5k to 10k.

Paid extra for the upgraded kitchen unit wasn't wasn't as extortionate as I expect and had extra sockets and external socket included for a price.

Ooh interesting, can I ask if the demand was really high?  Did they say what restrictive covenants you may face?  Any other info or tips most welcome 

It is a popular development the price we are paying is roughly 8k to 18k more for the same house that sold earlier, these were sold in in March 2020 and November 2020 so I don't think I am over paying going by the sold prices and should be ready by the end of this month.

No harm in asking for reduction in early bidding and remember things like flooring is not included and try for a standard package and can always re-do later after moving in.

MidnightWolf

berrybum said:

MidnightWolf said:

I doubt Bellway will let you specify cabling for car charging unless it’s something offered in their Additions brochure. Our experience with them (bought our second Bellway house two years ago) is that they won’t allow any bespoke options beyond what’s explicitly offered for a price. I wanted network cabling to a a different room that I would use as an office and was told a flat-out “no”. We couldn’t even have bathroom mirrors like in the show house (same style house as we bought) as they weren’t offered as a paid upgrade.

Thanks, that's useful to know.  Can I ask what restrictive covenants you had?  I think it is common to have restrictions on new builds?  I asked Bellway yesterday and she said it was stuff like not having a caravan on your drive. Obviously would get full details when I come to actually reserving the plot but wondered for interest what the restrictions normally are?

The highlights: No caravans, boat trailers or commercial vans (except in garage), no removal of plants at the front (and replace any that die) until final house is sold, no external alterations (other than TV aerial or satellite dish) or additions or other structures or fences on front boundary for 10 years without the permission of Bellway. Not to use the property for trade business, as a B&B or holiday rental. No breeding animals or keeping any other than pets. No washing hung out in front of the property.