Persimmon new build homes

Viz_2

As FTB's we looked at a new build home by Persimmon yesterday.

Does anybody live in a Persimmon home and have any comments on build quality etc ? Or have any advice when negotiating the purchase ( Already offered 5% deposit and carpets ).

They recommend using their solicitor, would this really be beneficial for us ?

The plot that interests us is due for release around xmas time and to be finished being built in March 06.

rozeepozee

Oh, oh, don't get me started......! :eek:

I bought a Persimmon home off plan 2 years ago. They subcontracted the work out to Gleesons and I have had quite a few problems. It started with the snagging (poor finishing, damage to the property when they were trying to resolve it which meant I couldn't let it for almost a month after the move in date- it was a BTL). They refused to pay me any compensation and were incredibly rude (not responding to my complaints and suggesting I was trying it on).

Just as the warranties on the white goods came to an end the "Whirlpool" washer dryer broke down. It cost me £150 in an effort to get it fixed and in the end it proved impossible (nearly gave the mechanic a breakdown) and I had to junk it and buy a replacement. When the original washer dryer was removed, the finishing behind the fitted kitchen was appalling, the floors were uneven and appliances were propped up on bits of wood which did not help when attempting to get the new machine in (nearly gave the mechanic a hernia). Curiously, the mechanic told me that Whirlpool did not make the type of washer dryer that was in the property and an insider mate of his at Whirlpool said he thought they must just put the Whirlpool badge on it for marketing purposes. Anyway, in total I spent almost £500 in repairs and the replacement (not a Whirlpool machine I would add!) NOW the seal on the dishwasher has gone and my poor long suffering tenant can't use it. I'm not looking forward to dealing with this issue or how much it'll cost me.

Finally, the Management Company that Persimmon chose to manage the common grounds and maintain the property didn't and there was untold legal issues getting rid of them. I realise that Persimmon weren't directily responsible for this, but they did choose this company....

Maybe I've been unlucky??? But I wouldn't buy from Persimmon or Gleeson again.

Viz_2

Hmmm....

Thanks for reply. Sorry to hear of those problems.

Do you know if Gleesons still have a contract with Persimmon for their new build homes ? ( Or is it new contracts every phase of different sites ? )

rozeepozee

I got the impression that they were not the regular subcontractors - but you'd be better to check with them.

rozeepozee

I also think it's a bit wierd to suggest you use their solicitor. Surely this would be a conflict of interest? (I should know the answer to this, as I am a solicitor but I never did conveyancing!). In my case there were some problems with the searches and I didn't exchange contracts until seven months after I had made the reservation. The reservation contracts specify that contracts must be exchanged within 28 days of reserving. Once contracts are exchanged you have to pay a deposit usually (£11000) in my case. The problems meant that I got to hang onto my deposit for six months. Persimmon weren't very happy about this but my solicitor made absolutely sure that everything that needed to be done was done before I was totally committed. If one solicitor was acting for both of you, Persimmon on the one hand a the little buyer on the other, I wonder who's interests they would be most inclined to look out for.....?

rozeepozee

I also think it's a bit wierd to suggest you use their solicitor. Surely this would be a conflict of interest? (I should know the answer to this, as I am a solicitor but I never did conveyancing!). In my case there were some problems with the searches and I didn't exchange contracts until seven months after I had made the reservation. The reservation contracts specify that contracts must be exchanged within 28 days of reserving. Once contracts are exchanged you have to pay any deposit usually (£11000) in my case. The problems meant that I got to hang onto my deposit for six months. Persimmon weren't very happy about this but my solicitor made absolutely sure that everything that needed to be done was done before I was totally committed. If one solicitor was acting for both of you, Persimmon on the one hand a the little buyer on the other, I wonder who's interests they would be most inclined to look out for.....?

rozeepozee

I also think it's a bit wierd to suggest you use their solicitor. Surely this would be a conflict of interest? (I should know the answer to this, as I am a solicitor but I never did conveyancing!). In my case there were some problems with the searches and I didn't exchange contracts until seven months after I had made the reservation. The reservation contracts specify that contracts must be exchanged within 28 days of reserving. Once contracts are exchanged you have to pay any deposit usually (£11000) in my case. The problems meant that I got to hang onto my deposit for six months. Persimmon weren't very happy about this but my solicitor made absolutely sure that everything that needed to be done was done before I was totally committed. If one solicitor was acting for both of you, Persimmon on the one hand a the little buyer on the other, I wonder who's interests they would be most inclined to look out for.....?

Viz_2

They say if using their solicitor and the 'independant' finanical advisor they suggest we will get a tatol of £500 towards extra fittings etc...
Which still makes me think its in their own interest.

They say it makes the whole process smoother.

Best to use my own then eh ?

rozeepozee

I can't advise you on what to do in your case but do your research thoroughly. There may be many others out there who have had no problem with Persimmon. Or maybe my experience is typical of dealing with any of the big property developers like Persimmon or Gleeson? After all businesses are out to make a profit and get their cash in as quickly as possible but weigh up your options. If you decide you want the house, will using their solicitor be cheaper? Call round a few in your local area for a quote. Their solicitor might be more expensive. And their incentive of extra fittings doesn't sound like much, these items probably cost them a fraction of the price to you. Good luck whatever you decide. House buying is a stress but it's a buyer's market so you have bargaining power! If you aren't happy with what Persimmon are offering there are a gazillion other sellers who will gladly hear from you!

Doozergirl

New builds are the best people to knock down on price.

We offered Persimmon £250,000 on a house marketed at £299,000, carpets, stamp duty paid. We weren't that bothered about it so chanced our arm. Within two days we got them to £271,000. We weren't interested above £250,000. A few weeks later they called us to say they would accept £250k after all.

Try it! Go on! offer them something silly, see how low they'll go!

summerday

Doozergirl- I was wondering where in the country you bought your house and when. We are thinking of buying our next house as a new build and have no idea of how much you can negotiate the price on them. If anyone else has bought a new build and got a good deal I would love to hear about it!
Thanks, sarah