(New/Unheard of) New Build Developer - stay away?

Ktboo93

We're on a mailing list with a local Estate Agents who we've viewed properties with in the past. I saw a new build property on Rightmove that ticks all the boxes and happens to be listed with that EA as the point of contact. My partners rang them for more information and they've booked us in for a site visit tomorrow as the properties on the plot haven't been build yet.

The EA couldn't give us any more information other than the properties are scheduled to be finished in May 2022 and if we wanted to reserve a plot it would be a £1000 non-refundable fee. I've tried to do some digging as to who the developer is as the EA did not supply this information and it wasn't on Rightmove. From what I can gather it's a local developer but they don't have a website or any online footprint from what I can gather.

Does this all sound a bit dodgy to anyone else? I know I should hold off judgements until tomorrow but something doesn't sit right with me. I know other new build developers have websites, etc but this one does not.

Thanks!

Ktboo93

Should also mention that when we first enquired no plots were available but the next day we got a call from the EA saying a plot had become available.

Also, I found out who the developer was through a local news article posted in 2019 that said [the developer] had planning persmission granted to build 70 or so houses in the area.There's nothing else online about this particular developer.

UnderOffer

Are you viewing a part built property or just an empty site/field? You mention they’ve not been built but then add they are ready in May, that’s only 6 weeks away. 

Have you checked your local authority/council planning portal for the planning permission. This might give you more information about the builders. 

user1977

Not having a website is hardly unusual for small businesses, plenty of builders will just market via agents rather than trying to set up and maintain their own shiny website. Though smaller also means more at risk of going bust before they've finished.

propertyhunter

Check Companies House for the details of the company's directors. Then check whether they have been directors of other companies in the past that have folded. 

jimbog

pay with a credit card maybe if you do go ahead?

kingstreet

Establish the warranty provider to see if they are members here;-

https://consumercode.co.uk/

comeandgo

Is it the developer who is actually doing the building?  I don’t think there is anything wrong with no web pages.  Go and look at the houses and set up, ask your solicitor about the company if you are still having doubts.  They will be able to do some checks on the financial worthiness and structure of the company.

eddddy

Check the developers track record. Find out what other developments they've done and go and take a look.

You could even knock on doors and ask the owners what the developers were like to deal with, and the quality of the build etc.


(But just in case they're real rogues - make sure that the developers really did build the developments they refer you to, and they're not pretending it's theirs.)

badger09

Any properties which 'will be scheduled to be finished in May 2022' will already be built, not just plots!

What is this development called, and where is it?

Mutton_Geoff

Ktboo93 said:

had planning persmission granted

Was that a Freudian Slip