Buying a new-build home can feel reassuring. Everything is brand new, you have the benefit of modern insulation and heating systems, and there should be little need for immediate maintenance.
But buying a new-build is still a major financial commitment, and there are important checks you should make before you exchange contracts.
Once contracts have been exchanged, your options become much more limited if something changes with the property or development. That is why it is worth carrying out your due diligence before you reach that point.
Here are some of the most important things to check.
1. Understand exactly what you are buying
The show home can give you an excellent impression of the development, but remember that it is a marketing tool.
Make sure you understand exactly what will be included in your property.
Check:
- The specification for your particular house type
- Which appliances are included
- Flooring and fitted finishes
- Kitchen and bathroom specifications
- Garden fencing and landscaping
- Parking arrangements
- Storage space
- External lighting
- Broadband provisions
- EV charging provision
- Any upgrades you have paid for
Don’t assume that because something appears in the show home, it will automatically be included in your property.
Ask for the specification in writing and keep a copy.
2. Check the property’s plans carefully
Your floor plan is worth studying in detail.
Look at the dimensions of each room and consider how your furniture will actually fit. A room can look spacious when it is empty but feel very different once you add a bed, sofa, wardrobes and other furniture.
Also check the position of:
- Doors
- Windows
- Radiators
- Sockets
- Light switches
- Boiler or heating equipment
- Kitchen units
- Bathroom fittings
This is particularly important if you are buying from plans rather than viewing the completed property.
3. Investigate the development, not just your house
You are not only buying a house. You are buying into a development.
Find out what is planned for the surrounding area.
Check the developer’s plans and local planning applications to see whether there are proposals for:
- Additional homes
- New roads
- Commercial units
- Schools
- Play areas
- Major infrastructure
- Changes to surrounding land
A field or woodland beside your home today may not necessarily remain that way.
It is also worth visiting the development at different times of day. A Saturday afternoon visit may give you a very different impression from a weekday morning or evening.
4. Understand service charges and estate management
Some new-build developments have management companies responsible for communal areas, private roads, landscaping or other shared facilities.
Find out:
- Whether there is an estate management charge
- How much it is expected to be
- What it covers
- Whether it can increase
- Who is responsible for maintaining communal areas
- Whether there are private roads
- Whether you will have obligations towards shared facilities
Ask your solicitor to explain anything you do not understand before you exchange contracts.
5. Check the warranty
Most new-build properties come with a structural warranty, but you should understand what it actually covers.
Ask which warranty provider is being used and what the claims process involves.
A warranty does not mean that every problem in your home will automatically be repaired. Different elements of the property can have different periods of cover and different requirements for making a claim.
Keep all your documentation.
6. Have an independent inspection
One of the most valuable things you can do before committing to a new-build property is arrange an independent inspection.
A professional snagging inspection can identify problems that are easy to overlook when you are excited about moving into your new home.
Issues can include:
- Poorly finished plaster
- Damaged windows or doors
- Problems with flooring
- Incomplete sealant
- Faulty sockets or switches
- Plumbing issues
- Poor drainage
- Problems with brickwork
- Gaps around fittings
- Incorrectly installed fixtures
- Problems with heating or ventilation
A new home should still be inspected carefully. New does not necessarily mean perfect.
7. Don’t let the pressure of a deadline rush you
New-build sales can sometimes involve significant pressure to meet reservation, exchange or completion deadlines.
It is completely reasonable to ask questions and take time to understand the paperwork.
If you are unsure about something, speak to your solicitor or an independent professional before committing.
The bottom line
Buying a new-build home should be exciting, but it is also one of the biggest financial decisions you are likely to make.
Don’t rely solely on the show home, the sales representative or the fact that the property comes with a warranty. Carry out your own checks, understand exactly what you are buying and get independent advice where appropriate.
And remember: a new home can still have defects.
An independent snagging inspection gives you another layer of protection and can help identify problems before they become your responsibility to deal with. Get an instant quote online here.