Persimmon new build homes

Viz_2

xlt_hunter wrote:

Don't bother with Persimmons! - unless you want to wait for things to be fixed for a while after its built.

I intend to knock on a few peoples doors next time i'm in the area to ask about build quality etc....

trace-j

A friend of mine bought a lovely 3 story house in a row of terraces at Tyne View in Newcastle 3yrs ago. All appeared well for 3yrs until damp started to appear up the walls on the basement level. However as they had changed the layout Persimmon claims their builders guarentee (for what its worth) is invalid.

Last I heard all the neighbours were bringing a joint action as they've all got the same damp problem in the same place and they did not change layout.

Doozergirl

aliasojo wrote:

Wasn't Persimmon the company that was the subject of some documentary or other a few months back about badly built homes?

Someone viewing my house mentioned that to me yesterday! Yes, it was Persimmon, Brockhill in Redditch. The plumbers left too much 'stuff' in the pipes when they were welding them, which ended up turning everyone's water and sanitary fittings blue. Nice!

I suppose all of this has to be taken with a pinch of salt though as every developer will have horror stories. I bet if you ask if anyone has had problems with Bryant, Barratt and the likes, you'll get many horror stories about them too! At least the house is covered by NHBC insurance, unlike older houses. House buying is full of pitfalls!

Viz_2

My other half works recruiting construction staff and has asked about Persimmon. These people in the business think that Persimmon are quite well respected in the industry.

On the other hand they would recommend to us to avoid Barrett.

Thanks for all the advice.

I am going to speak to an independent financial advisor this week. Then think about making a low offer on the same style property that has currently not sold, but due to be finished at the end of Sept.

We'll see if they are desperate to sell.

Doozergirl

Good luck! Let us know how you get on!

gingerdad

Viz wrote:

Where abouts is that estate Gingerdad ?

South Cumbria.

Regards

MD

AccyMik

Hi.

Just to say that we've had (still having) problems with new builds but not with Persimmon - its with a smaller company called Elite Homes in the North West.

Make sure you get yourself into the strongest position possible - use your own solicitor rather than one recommended by Persimmon. We made the mistake of using a solicitor recommended by Elite Homes, and though they are independent of their solicitor I feel as though we are not being represented as fully as possible.

Get as much money as possible off the price - and negotiate as many *free* extras as possible...

It may not be possible, but try and negotiate a smaller deposit - we had to put down 10% and have yet to move into our new house 12 months later. Because Elite Homes didnt specify a completion date (we bought off plan), we have been unable to do anything about the build delays, all the while being out of pocket with the deposit money.

You will find that the contract drawn up is *very* one sided, and biased towards Persimmon - therefore its essential that you squeeze every last drop you can out of them before you sign.

Don't be rushed - if you feel rushed, pull out. There will always be other houses.

My 2ps worth.
AccyMik

LouLouHelen

Just a thought based on the feedback you are getting but if it were me I would start to be a bit concerned about the amount of bad things I am hearing. I know houses are built like they used to be and all companies are going to have unhappy customers but be very sure about the workmanship/level of finish you are getting from them before you commit.

As Accymik said - there ARE always other houses!

terrierlady

AccyMik, with regard to amount of deposit ;with 5% deposit paid you are not putting down any deposit.........
Incentives will not be offered until plots released.
No builder/developer alive has no complaints how could they, people buy a mass produced article which sometimes carry faults, even bespoke homes have to be snagged before completion, the build is only as good as the site team/ sub contractors, sales team/ make it.
When you go door knocking Viz, ask how the complaints were handled/ how long do they take to do remedial work?
Most new homes come with a year NH BC or Zürich insurance read it it DOES NOT cover everything.
Try to find out when their year end is thats when the bargains are to be had.
Good luck.

Viz_2

Well we went back there yesterday and viewed the property ready by the end of Sept.
We spoke about various options left to choose for the home.
We asked if there was any movement on the price. Persimmon agent said 'We are already giving you 5% off and carpets worth x amount'. I told him that i didn't want to go above £170k on my mortgage even if i could get over £200k, due to other comitments.
We also said we were prepared to come back and reserve if he could get that price as we are FTB's.
He phoned us later and his boss refused to even take off the 1% stamp duty !
So their orginal offer of 5% deposit and carpets still stood. We told him to leave it then.