Buying a new home is one of the most exciting things you can do. Getting a place you can call your own for you and your family is a huge life event. Of course it can be a little stressful along the way and you’ll need to get your head around asking prices, mortgages, estate agents and solicitors.
But have you thought about buying a new build? It can be a slightly easier process than purchasing an older property and you’ll have a shiny new house at the end of it.
These are some of the essential things you need to know when buying a new build house.
WHY BUY A NEW BUILD OVER AN OLDER PROPERTY?
As you’re getting a completely new property, it won’t necessarily require the same amount of maintenance as an older one, which will need regular upkeep to ongoing wear and tear. It’s also likely to be more energy efficient and environmentally friendly too – which means cheaper energy bills – due to the fact that new build homes are better insulated than period properties and are built using modern building techniques.
And if you’re buying off-plan (that means purchasing your home before it’s been built), you’ll be able to specify certain bits of the design to make sure you get your new home just how you want it. The possibilities may vary by development, but your Sales Executive will have all the information you need.
THE PROCESS OF BUYING A NEW BUILD
Once you’ve decided that a new build home is for you, there are a few steps to go through before you can move into your dream home.
1) GET YOUR FINANCES IN ORDER
As is the case when buying any property, it’s important to have your finances in order before you can start with the purchase process.
You’ll need to start saving for a deposit to put towards your new home – usually this will be a minimum of 5% of the purchase price but is often around 10%. The more you can put down as a deposit the better as you’ll own more of the property and will be able to secure a better interest rate.
You’ll also need to look at your financial health by first checking your credit score and doing what you can to improve it. This includes registering on the electoral roll, curbing your spending and ensuring you don’t miss any ongoing payments. Using a credit card and paying it back every month is also a good way to illustrate that you can safely borrow money.
Appointing a mortgage advisor at this stage is always a good idea as they will help you get a decision in principle (DIP) on a mortgage, which will guide you on what you can afford.
2) FIND A PROPERTY
Now this is where purchasing a new build home can be a much easier process. You’ll first need an idea of your price range from your mortgage advisor. Then it’s simply a case of coming to see one of our new build developments in your area. At each development we have show homes that enable you to get a feel for the quality of our builds and the size of the homes within your budget.
One of our friendly team members will show you around and you’ll be able to ask any questions you have about our developments and homes.
We’ll also provide you with details of the homes available in your chosen developments. These may be existing properties or ones yet to be built yet. This then gives you the option to choose your specific fixtures and fittings to help create your dream home.
3) RESERVE YOUR NEW HOME
Just like you would with any home, once you find a property you like it’s time to reserve. You’ll need to pay a reservation fee, this is deducted from the purchase price you pay upon completion. At this stage, you’ll also receive a ‘build window’ rather than a definite completion date, as so many things can happen between reservation and completion. Your Sales Executive will keep you up to date and will give you updates at key stages.
Having made your reservation, you’ll receive your reservation pack from us and will be able to start making some choices about your property. Remember, one of the big advantages of buying a new build is what you can choose to include inside your home. Think new carpets, kitchen units, washing machines and plenty more.
4) MAKE YOUR NEW HOME YOURS
One of the key benefits of buying a new build is that you can really make it yours. Any decisions must be made before the roof goes on, so the earlier you reserve, the more time you have to decide. So depending on where we are up to with building your new home, will influence the choices which are available to you, but your Sales Executive will be able to help you with this.
This could involve:
Choosing your kitchen, from a range of colours, styles and upgrades.
Choosing your bathroom and en-suite wall tiles
Creating handy storage solutions in your bedroom with fitted furniture
Deciding on the flooring throughout your house
5) WORK THROUGH THE LEGAL AND FINANCIAL DETAILS
Buying a new build home may be a super simple process, but you will still need to appoint a conveyancing solicitor to take care of all the legal side of your purchase. It’s worthwhile appointing one with experience of purchasing new build properties too. You’ll also need to instruct your mortgage advisor to begin the mortgage application process.
One key advantage at this stage of the purchase is the fact that you’re not in a chain. You don’t have to deal with an owner having to find a home to buy themselves before they can move out and so things can move pretty quickly. If you’re a first-time buyer you won’t be in a chain at all which should make the process much smoother. And even if you’re selling your current home to buy a new build, at some developments you can take advantage of Part Exchange so you don’t need to worry about finding a buyer for your home or paying any Estate Agent fees.
Once you have received your mortgage offer and your solicitor has conducted all the necessary searches, you will be able to exchange contracts, making the terms of the contract legally binding.
6) HOME DEMONSTRATION
One of the most exciting days of your home buying process. Before your moving day, we’ll invite you to the development to meet with the Sales Executive and Site Manager. You’ll get to step inside your new home and we’ll show you how everything works, from the heating to the dishwasher and everything in between.
If you’d like to measure up for things like carpets and curtains, your Sales Executive could arrange for this to happen at the same time.
7) IT'S TIME TO MOVE IN
Once the big day arrives, your Sales Executive will arrange a time for you to collect your keys. We won’t be able to give you your keys until the legalities and transfer of funds are successfully completed. This often happens in the afternoon. Once you complete on your new property, we’ll be there to welcome you to your new home. The keys will be waiting for you in your welcome box and we’ll be delighted for you to join the Wain Homes family.
Your Sales Executive and Site Manager will take you to your new home. They’ll make sure you’re happy with all the important things such as the kitchen units, worktops and sanitaryware. You’ll then sign your Key Release Form to confirm that you’re happy with the condition of your new home. We’ll also take your meter readings at this point.
At this point, we’ll leave you to settle into your new home. Your Site Manager will arrange a time to come back and visit you over the next couple of days.
We know it’s a busy day, but don’t forget to share the excitement with us on social media, we love seeing your moving day snaps!
They’ll also visit you again within two weeks of moving in, just to make sure you’re happy with everything and you’ll get a courtesy call from one of our Sales Executives four weeks after moving in to make sure you’re settling in and have no additional needs.
From the date you complete, the first two years of your warranty are covered directly by Wain Homes. This covers everything we’ve supplied, including kitchen units, sanitaryware, carpets and fitted furniture.
If you’re looking to buy a new home or have any questions about the home buying process, get in touch with our team today. We’ll promptly answer your questions and queries.
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