New Build offer good enough?

PoundByPound

Hi all,

Please I need your help and advice.

We are considering buying a 4-bedroom new-build in the South West England (Swindon), with a headline price of £465,000. We are both first-time buyers.

The developer has currently offered us:

• 5% contribution towards the purchase price
• Flooring through out (Amtico Spacia and 100% Excellon polypropylene)

We also asked about kitchen upgrades and fitted wardrobes, but they said they weren't willing to include these. However, we weren't particularly specific about what we wanted, so for example, we didn't specifically ask for a fitted wardrobe in the master bedroom.

We are now considering making a more specific counter-offer. Some of the things we are thinking of asking for are:

• Induction hob
• Additional electrical sockets
• Turf to the garden
• Bathroom tiles extended to the ceiling
• Upgraded shower heads
• Bathroom shower screens
• Under-cabinet kitchen lighting
• Fitted wardrobe to the master bedroom
• Potentially some kitchen upgrades

My question is whether you think the current offer of 5% + flooring is a good deal on a £465k new-build, or whether we should push for more?

If you were negotiating this deal, what would you ask for as part of a counter-offer?

Are there any particular upgrades or incentives that are relatively inexpensive for the developer but provide good value to the buyer?

Any advice on what we should prioritise or how you would structure the counter-offer would be appreciated.

Thank you

Isthisforreal99

Impossible to say.

If it's an in demand estate and sales are brisk on their current offers of 5% + flooring then they aren't going to entertain you.

So, basically, are the plots being snapped up. If so you are not in a strong position.

PoundByPound

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82166766#Comment_82166766

Thank you.

I would say the plot are not being snapped up, they are progressing but at a slow rate in my opinion (I'm not an expert). 16 has been either reserved, exchanged or completed so averaging 2 every month, with 6 completed. With 18 available for sale.

The plot I am interested in will be completed by next year (around 10 - 11 months)

marlot

The best deals on a new estate are often the first few and the last few. Or whenever they haven't sold a few for a while.

The first few, to get some cash flow/build confidence and to make the estate look lived in.

The last few because those plots haven't sold for some reason (poor position/over priced?) and they can save money by shutting the sales office.

RelievedSheff

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82166828#Comment_82166828

So the plots are selling which doesn't put you in such a great bargaining position.

There is no harm making your counter offer but I really wouldn't hold out much hope of getting everything on your wish list.

Although I would just add I would be wanting turf as standard. The new build we bought came with that and was prewired for kitchen cupboard and plinth lighting but we had to fit the lights which was a good compromise.

Qurrat786

I'd say 5% contribution plus flooring throughout sounds like a pretty good starting offer on a £465k new build. The flooring alone can save a significant amount, and the 5% contribution is worth £23,250, which isn't to be sniffed at.

If it were me, I'd focus on asking for upgrades that are difficult or expensive to add later rather than cosmetic items. Things like additional electrical sockets, outdoor taps, exterior power points, extra data/network points, upgraded kitchen units, integrated appliances, shower upgrades, and fitted wardrobes are often better value than things you can easily do yourself after moving in.

I'd also ask for turfing and any bathroom tiling upgrades, as these can be surprisingly expensive to arrange after completion.

PoundByPound

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82166976#Comment_82166976

Thanks for everyone for the advices.

I had made a counter to see what they offer.

When you say kitchen units, do you mean cupboards, cooker?

Also would it be better to upgrade to induction hob before moving in?

Albermarle

Typically developers, do not like to drop selling prices, as this can then spread to other properties in the development. So I would not push for > 5% and instead concentrate on the extras.

Jemma01

You probably should be more specific about the area.

I'd ask for underfloor heating

PoundByPound

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82167117#Comment_82167117

This is in the Swindon area.

Underfloor heating is such a good idea, but I'm not sure the developer would entertain that. Barrats in the area (they have not yet released their site plan is offering it)

Jemma01

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82167161#Comment_82167161

nothing to lose for asking and pushing, miggt as well if you want the flooring done, 465k is a lot of money (not sure about the area, I'd suggest updating the post for the right ppl to see it)