19 Apr
New-build homes are a popular choice for many people. First-time buyers might consider taking advantage of the government’s new Help to Buy equity loan scheme which will run for two years from 1 April 2021. Applications opened on 16 December 2020. But with such a huge range of new-builds on offer, from flats to spacious family houses, there are options for all, including downsizers or new families. There’s plenty of choice for buyers whatever life stage you’re at.
Many estate agents are routinely asked to sell some of the most exciting new build homes in the UK and have access to the widest range of housing developments. Some may offer you exclusive deals that are often not available elsewhere. This is why it is crucial to compare estate agent fees and performance with our simple to use search engine. We use real-time property sales data to find the best estate agent near you. We can help you to find an estate agent in minutes.
Buying A New Build Home
There are many advantages to buying a new-build property:
- You Can Buy Off Plan
Many developers offer properties for sale off-plan which means you can choose and reserve your new home before it is even built. If you buy off-plan in an area where house prices are on the rise, you could benefit from a growth in equity before you’ve even moved in.
- You Can Include Your Own Preferences
Some developers offer buyers the chance to choose design aspects of their new home such as the bathroom style, kitchen cupboards, garden design, tiling and the colour of your kitchen worktops. The sooner you reserve your new home, the more choice you will have.
- They Should Be Low Maintenance
There should be no need to carry out repairs, maintenance and redecorate when you move into a new home.
- Warranty
If your new home is registered with the National House Building Council, it will come with a 10-year warranty and protection scheme.
Homes offered under the government’s new Help to Buy equity loan will now have to follow the Consumer Code for Home Builders, which requires housebuilders to register with the UK’s main new home warranty bodies: NHBC, Premier Guarantee, LABC Warranty and Checkmate. These organisations represent over 95% of the new homes built in the UK.
- Flexibility
If you are a first-time buyer or not selling another property then you’re not part of a chain which means you can be more flexible. You can move in as soon as the home is ready or set a move-in date that suits you, without waiting on other buyers in an upward chain.
- Cheaper Bills
New-build homes are usually fitted with the latest energy-efficient appliances, which means they are cheaper to run than many older properties. New builds also tend to be well insulated and double or triple glazed, which keeps heating bills down.
- Security
Top safety and security measures are usually in place due to the high building standards now required of new-build properties. These often include fire safety locks on doors and windows, security lighting, alarms, gated entrances and entry phones in new housing developments.
Viewing Show Homes
Most developers will have a show home to show you the quality and finish of their properties. You can often take a tour of the actual site as well as the exact style of property you plan to buy.
Off Plan Properties
Buying a home off-plan means that has not yet been built has many advantages, including allowing you to be involved with your new home from scratch. However, to avoid disappointment, aim to agree a completion date with your house builder This means that if the property is not finished on time, you will be entitled to compensation. Delays can cause problems when it comes to your mortgage lender.
Since mortgage offers typically last between three and six months, make sure that your completion date is within that duration, otherwise, you may find that the offer becomes invalid. It is also possible however, to find mortgages with longer validity periods for new-build properties.
The New-Build Checklist
You should ensure that your contract allows for a ‘snagging provision’, used for detailing minor issues, repairs or defects after completion.
When construction on your new-build home is finished, make sure you carry out a complete inspection of the property and alert your house builder to anything that needs fixing.
Look out for:
- Plumbing And Electrics
- Roof Tiles
- Door Fittings
- Brickwork
- Tiling
- Walls, Floors, Ceilings
- Glass
- Paintwork
- Plaster
- Carpentry
- Fitted Furniture
- Guttering.
Warranties
New-build homes usually come with guarantees. Many developers offer a warranty and protection scheme from the National House Building Council (NHBC).
More than 90% of new homes built in the UK are covered under warranty by NHBC, Premier Guarantee, LABC Warranty and Checkmate.
This can also help you to secure a mortgage as well as providing peace of mind and saving you money on repairs in the long-term.
A new home warranty of 10 years might include:
- Pre-completion insolvency cover: in case your house builder or developer goes out of business after you have exchanged contracts
- Cover for the first two years of ownership: Your house builder or developer is responsible for rectifying certain damage.
- Insurance for parts of your new home: Cover for specified areas of the property, such as floors, staircases, drains and windows, from the third year of ownership through to the tenth.
When you Compare estate agents , ask them about any new build properties soon to be emerging in the area.
We use real-time property sales data to find an estate agent near you. We can also compare estate agent fees and real time sales data.
Consumer Code For Home Builders
The Consumer Code for Home Builders was established to make purchasing a new-build home more transparent for buyers. The code applies to all building companies registered with the UK’s major new home warranty providers. It also stipulates that your house builder must provide all the necessary details for you to make an informed decision about buying a new property;
- They are required to give you a transparent and easily understandable contract.
- Your developer must give you reliable information about the timings around construction, completion and handover of your new home.
- You will be entitled to your reservation fee if you encounter unreasonable delays. The code extends to an after-sales service, too.
- If you are unhappy with your new home or your house builder, the Consumer Code for Home Builders provides an independent and low-cost dispute resolution scheme that will determine your house builder’s responsibilities without the costly process of taking your case to court.
Compare estate agents in minutes. We use real-time property sales data to find an estate agent near you. We can also compare estate agent fees and real time sales data.
