Things to Look out for When Buying a New Build Home
New builds are becoming increasingly popular among first-time homeowners. You can start with a blank canvas and turn a modern property into your home. New builds are perfect for those looking to get on the property ladder without the challenges of a period home. Older properties tend to develop all kinds of structural problems over the years. They are expensive to renovate and difficult to maintain.
Follow these tips and tricks to find your perfect new build.
Research
Do your research online and look out for a few new housing developments in your area. Look into each developer and explore any relating forums, social media accounts and reviews. You can find customer reviews and get a better idea of their properties. Many people aren’t scared to be honest online. It might be a red flag if you find several customers reporting the same problem. But you should also be aware of fake reviews and one-off complaints. Every company has a few negative reviews – we can’t all be perfect. You need to find a developer with a strong reputation and a fantastic portfolio of homes.
Check the Warranty Conditions
A warranty should give you some peace of mind. Always inspect the warranty conditions before signing any contracts. Look at the small print and make sure you understand all the legal terms. There should be a snagging provision in the contract that makes sure all the small problems are fixed. You could ask your solicitor to look over the final house contract and identify anything unusual.
Workmanship and Finish
Some developers have show homes for you to look around if your house hasn’t been built yet. You can often choose different finishes and layouts from a setlist. Make sure the show home is finished to a high standard, and look out for any signs of wear and tear. Some new build properties can be poorly made, and as a result, they tend to wear very quickly. You need to make sure your future home is durable and finished correctly.
Future Proofing and Adding Value
New builds often depreciate in value after the first few years. You need to consider your future plans before you buy the property. You might need more room for your expanding family or a separate space for your home office. Your property needs to grow with you and cater for your changing lifestyle. Try to think ahead when buying a new home.
You may decide to add an extension or loft conversion to the house in the future. You can ask the developer about these plans and whether they would be doable.
Moving home is an expensive and tedious process. Take your time and find the right new build for you and your family.
