Buying a New Property

Buying a New Property

15:19 PM, 27th October 2011, About 13 years ago

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Having worked for about 20 years with new home builders, there are some things you should know.

NEVER be pressured into moving in by their end of year or half year- everyone from sales to plumbers will be rushing like mad to get homes finished. There are financial targets to be met and the finish of your home is the last thing on many developer’s minds. The stories I could tell- including the one where all sales were delayed because the land they built on wasn’t technically owned by developer.

DO double check, clarify and copy what extras you have ordered. Check the weight of the carpet as well as colour, check the quality underlay. Check all extra sockets going in the right places.

DO snag- before moving in/completion walk around with pen in hand or mic, noting what is wrong. Woodwork not painted underneath sill, carpet has lines, doors don’t close, appliances not tested, shower does not work, doors on kitchen units don’t meet properly…

DO NOT buy a show home, unless it’s at a massive discount. The show home is usually the hardest property to sell- smallest garden, worst view, top or entrance to cul de sac. It might be beautifully furnished, and the developers may ask you to purchase all furnishings. But have a look round, do the curtains really close?

As daft as it sounds, check room sizes. I’ve known standard house types shift by inches so fixed units don’t fit, beds that won’t fit in rooms because the door then won’t open. There is a reason why many house-builders don’t fit doors on show homes…

It’s always worth asking what percentage of the homes on the development are for social housing too. A question I’d be reluctant to ask, but I think it’s one many people don’t even think about


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