Our Guide to Buying a New-Build

Buying a new build home can be exciting, but it’s essential to know the steps to take so you can buy in confidence. Generally, a new-build is one that has not been lived in and was built by a developer in the last two years. 

In this blog, we’ll take a look at the process of buying a new build and give advice on the different things to look out for. 

Organising your Finances

Before you begin searching for your dream new-build, you must first speak with a trusted mortgage broker who will give you information on the amount of money you will be able to borrow from the lender. Each lender will be able to offer different deals, packages and products, depending on your financial circumstances and the deposit you have available. You should only start looking at homes within your budget once you have spoken to a mortgage advisor. 

We would always recommend getting a mortgage agreement in principle (AIP) where possible, as this can help to speed up the buying process, showing evidence on how much you can borrow — especially for first-time buyers.

Research The Development 

When you are searching for a newly built property, you should always do your research. Look at other developments in your area and become familiar with the developer’s previous work. Some properties may also offer the ‘Help to Buy Equity Loan’ scheme, which might be of interest to you. 

When booking viewings for properties, you should be realistic with your budget, and you should never purchase property without viewing a show home or the house itself first. It’s common for developments to show you around one of the showhomes, which will replicate the home you’re interested in. At this stage, you should ask questions about what will be included in the final sale.

Offer and Reserve

Once you have found a property you are interested in and are ready to make an offer, you should do so. Not all properties go for the asking price, so you can prepare to negotiate at this stage, if appropriate. 

If and when your offer is accepted, you will be required to pay an upfront reservation fee which can range from £500 – £2,000 — your mortgage advisor will have discussed this with you previously. Once you have put a reservation down on the home, it will stand for 28 days. Your reservation fee will be subtracted from the house price, though it is non-refundable if you decide to pull out of the sale. 

Communicate with Conveyancer

At this point of the sale, you will have found a licensed conveyancer or solicitor to deal with the legalities of the sale. We would always recommend choosing someone who has previous experience in selling new-builds and property developments — they will ask questions about planning permission and site access, which can save you any bother in the future.

By choosing an independent licensed conveyancer, you can avoid any conflict of interest with a solicitor. Conveyancers help talk you through the contract and answer any questions you may have about legal jargon or the agreement. They will agree on the key release date and explain any legal jargon to help you understand the contract.

Contracts 

When you choose to buy a newly built property, the contracts will be exchanged months before your move-in date. Your solicitor will run over the terms and conditions of the agreement at this stage and ensure you have the correct documents, such as property titles and planning documents. 

Snagging List

Before you move all of your furniture and belongings into your new home, you should complete a snagging list. We’re proud to be trusted and reliable providers of snagging inspections in the UK. 

Whether you need a new build home inspection or perhaps more information on our services, we’re here to help. We have over 20 years of experience in professional snagging surveys and use the latest high-tech equipment, drones and thermal imaging cameras to ensure your new home is finished to the highest of standards.

Interested in finding out more? Take a look at a snagging report sample.

Completion 

The final piece of the puzzle. Once your property has been built, the purchase has gone through, and you have completed a new-build inspection, you should get ready to move into your new home! 

Our new-build snagging surveys start from as little as £299. A small price to pay for 100% peace of mind. If you’d like any more information about home inspections, snagging or to get your custom quote, please fill in our contact form, and we will be in touch with you very soon.