New build property: your experiences

[Dark Knight]

We are moving , due to Lady D getting relocated with her company and a nice promotion to boot
We have decided that a new build would be a good idea as we can move quickly and avoid many of the costs associated with moving, such as estate agent fees, stamp duty etc and we can part exchange our house as well . We expect the px value to be lower than an open market price but not too worried about losing a bit but not too much

Anybody else done a PX on a house? and what did you think of the whole process?
over to you

[Serendipity]

We did a part exchange with a builder a few years back.
It was easier than buying from someone as we had time to have fitted wardrobes, carpets etc fitted before we moved in. I could go back to the old place and clean it out when everything had gone.

When we moved into this place we had to have everything packed up and the purchaser's had their removal van waiting to come in as I was still hoovering.
We had packing cases in the garage for months as we had a new kitchen etc when we moved in.
Less stressful with a PX all round I think.

[Dark Knight]

we get to choose flooring, kitchen, etc etc and it will be very quick, could be in by mid June
the only downside is we may not get full market value for ours but at least we get a sale

[Andrea S]

Mr DK, We did it a few years ago. The offer for your house will probably seem quite ridiculous but all the advantages are a bonus. We bought quite early in the build and got the choice of kitchen and bathroom fittings, tiles and flooring. The front and back gardens were turfed which saved some work . The move was effort free , they let us put curtain fittings and blinds up before the move day. In today's market your present house could get held up in a chain, with prospective buyers struggling to sell their property or getting a mortgage . Living further away you would need someone to keep the gardens tidy , even windows need to be gleaming to keep your present house high up on the sellable list whilst PX could mean a quick, smooth move and you could be sat in your new garden with your feet up pondering your next holiday. From a female point of view , your wife is going to be starting a new job which can be stressful and a quick move could be just what you need.

[Manoverboard]

The perfect arrangement providing the agreed sale price of your present property is fixed in tablets of stone. Mine, ours in reality, was via the Company I worked for rather than the builder who may or may not go out of business of course ... therefore ensure you have full insurance cover on both houses.

[Gill W]

Both the houses I have bought were new build. Our first one as first time buyers, and our current house. ( Although that was 24 years ago.) We didn't do PX, but sold our house normally

The upside for us was no or a very short chain, the chance to select the colour we wanted for walls, bathroom fittings and tiling, and just being able to move in and start living, without having to change other peoples decorative ideas.

Buying new build does take away some of the stress away from the process

[Meg 50]

a little thing. JD bought a brand new flat (conversion) and despite the developers assurances about security, on her second trip there to move in ( she was the first of the block to move in ) her front door was open.....

So she had to change the locks immediately

[Ray Scully]

DN

The only time we tried to sell up and move,
I found myself doing 6 months at her majesty's pleasure

The Judge said it was the first time in all his years that he had come across someone attempting to sell his council house O:-)

Ray

[howard18]

You are quite right that a purchase from a house builder will seemingly cost you less. However, bear in mind that you will pay a 10% premium by buying new. If you intend to sell within the first five or so years then you will pay the price.


Regards - Howard

[Dark Knight]

Howard
we tend to stay put once we move, we will be aiming to negotiate a reasonable discount, if the PX price is too low, so they balance out
we don't intend to move for a while once we are in, so we can absorb the initial drop but it is something we have factored in to the maths

[barney]

Another upside DK is very low bills

We bought a new build semi two years ago and my direct debit is £25 electric & £30 gas, a month. And I always seem to be in credit.
Very warm and very, very well insulated

Bearing in mind I bought down form a very large Victorian house, I can't believe the difference

One downside is parking. We live in a small cul de sac with either garage or allocated parking which seems to be normal these days.
The problem being a lot of families have three or four cars and stick them anywhere.
Drives me mad when they are all over the pavement and pedestrians have to walk in the road to get round them.
And yes, I have contacted the local police and they've done bugger all !!

[howard18]

Another upside DK is very low bills

We bought a new build semi two years ago and my direct debit is £25 electric & £30 gas, a month. And I always seem to be in credit.
Very warm and very, very well insulated

Bearing in mind I bought down form a very large Victorian house, I can't believe the difference

One downside is parking. We live in a small cul de sac with either garage or allocated parking which seems to be normal these days.
The problem being a lot of families have three or four cars and stick them anywhere.
Drives me mad when they are all over the pavement and pedestrians have to walk in the road to get round them.
And yes, I have contacted the local police and they've done bugger all !!

Have a look at your deeds. They might restrict parking etc.

Regards - Howard

[howard18]

Another point has just come to me.

Any flooring you purchase (not carpets) will be VAT free. You could save a few bob there.

Regards - Howard

[Dark Knight]

Howard
all the flooring is included throughout the property

[howard18]

Lucky you!

[Dark Knight]

we get to choose the kitchen and all the floor coverings plus bathrooms and en suite

[Andrea S]

DK, As always you have got your head screwed on right. Negotiate both PX price and house price and you get a hassle free move with fittings of your choice.

[Dark Knight]

The two main things we are aiming for would be some fitted wardrobes in two of the bedrooms and a few other minor bits, like outside lights , a tap and an electrical socket outside. not much ion the grand scheme

we can negotiate around the prices of both houses and see where we get to, I am looking foward to locking horns with the buyer, in the nicest possible way, just to see if my skills are still working after my sebatical. .

[barney]

LOL DK

I blagged those extras as well.

My neighbour was furious when he found out that not only did I pay less than him, but got fitted wardrobes etc.

"Did you ask them", I said to him

"No" he replied

Well, you don't ask, you don't get, and refusal doesn't offend.

I must admit, parking issues aside, it's the best move I've done.