Purchasing a brand-new home is an exciting journey filled with anticipation. As you explore show homes and flip through colorful brochures, we're here to lend a helping hand and share some friendly tips to ensure your experience goes off without a hitch!
1. Get Your Mortgage Lined Up
Before you dive headfirst into reserving your dream home, consider having a mortgage agreed in principle. This isn't a binding commitment, but it shows your sales agent that you mean business. Plus, it puts you ahead in securing your mortgage.
2. Take Your Time and Ask Questions
Once you've picked your perfect plot, take a deep breath, and make sure you're crystal clear on what you're getting. Don't hesitate to ask questions about the layout, appearance, plot position, fixtures, and fittings. We've even got a blog with the top ten questions to ask your new home builder for extra guidance!
3. Know the Builder's Code of Practice
Most home builders must adhere to a code of practice that offers you extra rights and protections. For instance, the Consumer Code for Home Builders ensures that you're kept in the loop throughout your purchase. Click to find out more about the Code
4. Get a Grip on the Builder's Schedule
You deserve reliable info about when your new home will be ready. From the construction timeline to the handover date, your builder should keep you informed. If things take a bit longer than expected, you might even be entitled to compensation.
5. Bring in Legal Help
You'll need a legal expert, solicitor or licensed conveyancer, to handle the legal details. Your builder might have a preferred provider, but feel free to choose your own. Rest assured, whoever you pick will be legally bound to look out for your best interests.
6. Dive into the Contract
Once you've exchanged contracts, you're locked in, so take your time understanding all the details. Check out the timescales, payment terms, and guarantees. If anything seems fuzzy, your legal adviser can help clear things up.
7. Understand the Warranty
Most new homes come with a 10-year warranty that covers major structural issues. But remember, this isn't the same as home insurance, which you'll need to arrange separately.
8. Create a Snagging List
After you move in, be on the lookout for any defects. Your builder is obliged to fix them within the first two years. We have a extensive snagging checklist and a page that explains the process in more detail here.
9. Don't Hesitate to Reach Out
If you run into any problems, your builder should have an after-sales service in place. They'll provide all the details during the sales process. For extra resources, check out our blogs on support for new home buyers and common questions about new build homes.
Happy home hunting! 🏡😊