Visiting a thoughtfully prepared show home is designed to be an evocative experience: a chance to imagine what life could look like in an elegant new build home. But, amid all the excitement, it’s not unusual to leave with a sense that you should have asked more questions about all the practicalities.
Research from Zoopla reveals that a fifth of UK buyers spend less than 20 minutes viewing a property before making an offer. That makes it essential to arrive prepared with some useful questions to ask, so you come away with enough information to make an informed decision.
Questions to ask about a new build home
The first place to start is the property itself. Above all else, you’re striving to understand what your life could look like in this development and that begins with the new build home itself: what’s included, how is quality safeguarded and how do different plots compare?
What’s included in the specification?
Show homes typically use a premium specification designed to show a plot in its best possible light, but not everything may be included in the typical spec. In some cases, properties may even be available with different specification levels. At Brookworth, some of our developments offer a flexible ‘level of luxury’ with different specifications depending on which you choose.
How does snagging, aftercare and the warranty work?
Any reputable developer will have an exhaustive quality assurance process, but it’s unreasonable to claim that new build homes never need small tweaks after they’re built. Ask your developer how these quality control processes work, including:
Who would you contact for aftercare and snagging issues?
How long is the warranty and is it managed by a third party?
How does the show home differ to the available plots?
You can only fully imagine yourself in a new home if you’re thinking about an individual plot, not just the show home. Ask your developer about the available plots and use the site plan to understand garden orientation, outlook and layouts.
Questions to ask about the development and developer
The experience of living in a new build home is partly the product of the home itself – its design, finish and level of quality – but it’s also influenced by the surrounding development. There’s a huge difference between putting 10 plots next to each other and actively encouraging a sense of community. That’s why it’s so useful to spend some of your visit asking about the bigger picture.
What can you tell me about the developer’s track record?
In part, this question helps you understand the reputation of a given organisation, including how long they’ve been building homes, where they’ve already completed developments and any awards or accreditations they have. It can also be useful to visit other nearby locations from the same developer, getting a sense of how they feel when construction is further along or finished.
Can I meet someone who already lives here?
One of the most powerful ways to understand what life is really like at a development is to speak to an existing resident or, if the development is still early in its construction, someone from another location. This is a chance to ask questions about the day-to-day experience. At Brookworth, we encourage these connections by establishing Community Leaders at our locations to meet potential buyers and welcome people to the area.
What are the future plans for the development?
Finally, speak to your developer about the longer term plans for the development over the next 12 and 24 months. New phases may affect individual plots, changing your view or local noise.
Questions to ask about finances and the process
If you’re impressed by the show home, interested in the development and ready to think about the next steps, it’s time to focus the conversation on the practicalities.
What does a reservation commit you to?
Reserving a new build property isn’t just asking the developer to hold onto the house. It’s the first step in the process of buying a new build home, which comes with some legal requirements on behalf of the developer. You should expect clear information on the reservation fee, the terms of cancellation and the exchange deadline.
What are the expected estate management costs?
According to the CMA, 80% of new build homes were subject to estate management fees. These recurring costs typically cover maintenance across the development, communal landscaping and other shared spaces. Be sure to ask your developer what you’re likely to pay over several years and what exactly would be covered.
What might new build home running costs be?
Another often overlooked topic is ongoing utility costs at a property. While these might not seem immediately relevant at this early stage, the choices your developer makes now could affect your ongoing costs. For example, Brookworth homes use A+++ rated air source heat pumps with underfloor heating, offering outstanding EPC ratings and energy efficiency.
When will this plot be ready (and what if it changes)?
As part of the reservations process, you’ll be given an expected completion date based on when the specific plot will be ready for your big move. But most developers have a good sense of the roadmap for different phases over the next 12 months, so it’s worth getting an early sense of the timeline and how much notice you’ll get if something changes.
What incentives and schemes are available?
Many new build property developers offer schemes and incentives as part of their usual process, some of which may only be available for a limited time. From deposit contributions to part exchange, it’s important to understand what you could take advantage of before you make a decision.
Brookworth Homes: making the process seamless
At Brookworth Homes, we love the opportunity to work with potential homebuyers, guiding them through the process from first visit to move in. It’s a key part of The Brookworth Difference: our commitment to delivering a premium experience, not just in our homes but also in the buying process.
Your show home tour is more than an opportunity to see what our focus on quality and elegance looks like in person. It’s time and space to chat about the sort of home you’re looking for, what’s happening across the development and the steps involved in securing your Brookworth home.
Explore our developments to arrange a visit or get in touch to discuss any questions you have so far.
