New Build developers

hookedesign

Hi, I'm considering buying a new build house and was after some advice on things to consider.

Albermarle

The day after you move in, it will be worth less than you paid for it.
It will probably have a small overlooked garden.
You need to get clarity on any ongoing charges. There will probably be some even if it is freehold.

ReadingTim

Consider using the search function, as this question comes up pretty regularly, and the answers are generally the same every time.  

MikeJXE

There are well built and poorly built new builds 

Some you can’t snag until you have moved in, difficult to sell while the site is still being developed plus you will lose in the first few years 

Can’t pick the neighbours 

Personal recommendations are important 

Look out for on going maintenance costs not included in the price, park mowing tree cutting, road/sewer adoption etc.

A thousand other things 

IMO you would be better to buy a 4/5 year old 

Mark_d

Why are you considering a new build house?  New build houses are typically built cheaply. They have a lot of niggles that you will have to sort out.  The new house will likely be in a poor location (maybe a regeneration area).  The housing estate is likely all new, so you have no idea what the neighbourhood/community will be like.
Personally I would always rule-out considering a new build.

SarahB16

If despite, of all the helpful comments above you are still wishing to buy a new build try to find out what other developments the developer has built previously.  Visit those developments and see what you think and even speak to the people who live there.  

Really do research the developer as there are huge variations in terms of the quality of what they deliver.  There are some developers who have a good reputation and others that don't.  

Regarding the date the developer tells you the homes will ready to move in by definitely don't anticipate moving in by that date.  There will be delays, there always are.  

The above is all related to the quality of the build and as others have said you will have no idea what your neighbours will be like.    

MikeJXE

Recommendation 

My granddaughter bought a Davidsons homes 4 years ago and had no problem whatsoever, 3 bed 3 story. Looked over back garden 

Her close neighbour put hers on the market a few months ago at the price she paid and it hasn’t sold so they are staying. 

chanz4

constant ground charge for areas around, poor build and grass is really poor

ThorOdinson

If they won't let you snag before completing, run.

If it's freehold but there are charges, run.

If it's not got parking and a car charger (or at least very easy to fit one), run.

If it's Barrat or Taylor Wimpy, run.

Don't assume any amenities like parks, shops, schools, GP surgeries, additional parking, footpaths etc. that are not compete at the time of purchase will ever be completed.

RelievedSheff

Despite what a lot of people think of new builds we absolutely love ours. We bought it brand new in 2019 and despite having some snagging in the first 18 months (which was all minor items and nothing of detriment to the property) it has proven to be a well built and well designed property which suits how we live.

We were lucky to get a corner plot with a walled garden which is a lovely morning sun trap and has no overlooking from any of the neighbours.

Ours is freehold and has no estate or management charges but this is rare so do check before you sign up what charges you will be liable for.

We part exchanged our previous house against the new build and got an excellent deal as the house was completed and ready to go. It was one of the cheaper of our house types on the development so we never really lost any money from when we bought. Now 6 years on they are worth considerably more than what we paid in 2019. Despite a slow 18 months for sales on the development very few properties that have resold on the estate have lost any money. Sales now seem to be picking up again and prices have definitely started to creep up again.

There are good new builds and bad new builds and no two developments by the same developer will be to the same build quality. You need to find  development with a good site manager which is easier said than done for someone with no knowledge of the business!

incus432

RelievedSheff said:

There are good new builds and bad new builds and no two developments by the same developer will be to the same build quality. You need to find  development with a good site manager which is easier said than done for someone with no knowledge of the business!

I'd echo this. There is a huge difference in quality between different estates, but also in how the houses are arranged, gaps between, the gardens, and crucially the communal areas.

We are currently looking at an 8 yr old house which I think is the best of both worlds