The process of buying a new build home can in some cases be more complicated and complex than purchasing a property from a previous owner. This is because, while it is new, it has never been lived in before. This means problems could be waiting for you, once you move in. 

Structural or operational problems may not be apparent until the building is used, and developers may not have completed important documents or procedures. For example, non-compliance with planning regulations, incomplete agreements for roads and sewers, or failure to arrange NHBC inspections. Problems can also arise from buying ‘off-plan’ before construction is completed.

You’ll need an experienced new build conveyancing solicitor to make sure there’s no stone unturned and no nasty surprises waiting for you once the keys are handed over. The whole process can be confusing and even overwhelming. Bu at Beeston Shenton we want to share all the relevant information that a new build property owner should know.



Buying New Build Property Off-Plan…

 

If you’re buying your new home ‘off plan’ e.g. construction is underway or yet to begin. Potential delays could cost you dearly.

Most developers will insist that mortgage finance is secured before contracts are exchanged. However, most mortgage approvals expire after six months, so if your new home is not ready within that time you could find yourself having to reapply for a mortgage. Developers may also push you to exchange before construction is complete. This leaves buyers in a vulnerable position, tied into a contract with no guarantee of when their new home will be ready.

It is recommended that you negotiate a ‘long stop’ completion date with your developers, giving you extra time to complete. If the property is not ready by this long stop date, buyers can walk away without penalty.



New Build Mortgages And Deadlines…

 

Always ensure that your mortgage is agreed upon in principle before paying a reservation fee.

 

Once you’ve agreed to a sale or an offer is made, developers will want you to put down a reservation fee that could be hundreds or thousands of pounds. This reserves your new build for a set time, usually around  28 days. The reservation fee is deducted from the purchase price. However, if you don’t exchange contracts within that time you will lose your reservation fee, so make sure you have everything in order ready to go before reserving.

You will be asked to pay a hefty deposit in exchange of contracts. However, there can also be issues around the agreed sale price. Mortgage valuations are usually carried out at the beginning of construction and after construction is completed. If property prices change in that time and you are unable to secure a mortgage for the new price, you could lose any deposit you’ve put down. Ask for the price to be locked at the exchange and discuss what happens if prices vary before completion.



Snagging In New Build Property…



Sometimes when you buy something new, you don’t notice little quirks or problems until you start using it. It’s the same for new build homes. Doors catching on carpets scratches on windows or surfaces, splashes of paint, leaky taps – annoying defects in your otherwise brand new home.

Negotiate a snagging provision in your contract with your developer to deal with little problems that arise with your new build home. Carry out a snagging survey before exchanging contracts. It’s worth getting a professional to do this as they may spot things that an average homeowner would not. If you leave a snagging survey until after you move in, your builder could argue that the problem has arisen from wear and tear.

The National House-Building Council (NHBC) is the most common warranty, and currently covers around 70-80% of the new build market. Their warranty ad insurance product ‘Buildmark’ is for newly built or converted homes in the UK.

It provides pre-completion deposit protection; a 2-year builder warranty period backed by the NHBC resolution service and guarantee and’ and then an 8-year insurance policy for physical damage to the home caused by a failure to build to the NHBC technical requirements.


Check The Freehold/Leasehold…

 

Always avoid buying a leasehold property.

 

This means you own the property on ‘lease’ from the freeholder. You would likely be liable to pay ground rent of hundreds of pounds a year or other charges and be restricted in what alterations you can make to your home.

Freehold is always preferable. It means that you own the building and the land it stands on outright.

Flats in particular are often leasehold, so check the length of the lease and the price of the ground rent. However, recent years have seen developers selling on the freehold of new build houses to bump up their profits, leaving new build homeowners as leaseholders paying ground rent to the freeholders. The Government has been making moves to crack down on this practice, but if you are buying a new build home you must check the lease/freehold.



Contact Us



Buying and selling homes can be difficult, but with new build properties, the process can be even more complex. If you’d like to talk to a new build property specialist at Beeston Shenton, please get in touch. Email us at info@beestonshenton.co.uk or call us on 01782 662424