Unsure exactly what to ask when buying a new build home?
If you’re considering buying a new build in Cheshire, Eaton Homes is the developer with all the answers.
Our latest project in Beeston is built on the historic Old Cattle Market site and consists of 84 new build homes in the Cheshire countryside, so we know both the area and the development inside out.
Top 10 questions to ask when buying a new build
Discover the most crucial new build home buying questions in the UK from an experienced new build developer in Cheshire.
- Does it come with a warranty?
Whether or not a property comes with a warranty is perhaps one of the most importantquestions to ask a new build developer.
While practically all new builds come with a structural warranty of at least 10 years, it’s important to bear in mind that these warranties aren’t legally mandatory.
This can be especially important for obtaining a mortgage as warranties can be essential requirements for many lenders.
At Eaton Homes, we partner various insurance companies to ensure our new build homes near Tarporley have a robust 12-year structural warranty.
- Who is the developer and do they have a good reputation?
The developer is the company in charge of new build construction, just like Eaton Homes.
Most buyers in the UK will purchase a property directly from a developer, and any immediate issues with the property will be handled by them.
Doing your research into a developer ensuring they’re reliable, thorough, and professional can make a massive difference to your purchasing experience because they’re responsible for tackling issues that arise when you first purchase the property.
We carry out comprehensive snagging surveys, but should anything slip through the net or develop post-completion, our local team can be with you to help solve any problems.
- Who is the management company and do they charge fees?
Almost every new build development is maintained by a management company rather than the developer.
The primary responsibility of these companies is to maintain communal spaces, manage shared funds, and uphold any obligations.
To carry out these responsibilities, they will typically charge a fee to residents, referred to as either estate management fees or service charges (depending on whether you own a freehold or leasehold property).
Finding out exactly how much these fees are can help you budget expenses.
- What is the new build’s council tax band?
Every new build property will fall into a specific council tax band (from band A to band H) which is determined by a combination of its market value, geography, and local parish precepts.
Council tax is different between local authorities, and can also vary significantly depending on the band your new build is allocated to, so it’s important to have a clear understanding of local rates and how much council tax is likely to cost.
- Are there any plans for future development?
Often, new build developments are built in phases, which means purchasing a property after phase one has been completed is going to look very different to buying a home on the same development post phase four, for example.
Subsequently, if your intention is to live in a smaller development, finding out whether there are any future building plans, either within the development or nearby, can help you determine whether the area is right for you both now and in the future.
Many local plans and planning applications, such as schools, green spaces, and busy roads, can all have a significant impact on your living standards.
While there’s no guarantee that these plans won’t be delayed, local searches carried out by your conveyancing solicitor should highlight any upcoming or proposed works in the surrounding area.
- What is the parking situation?
The next essential question to ask on our buying a new build checklist is all about parking – as not all new builds come with dedicated garages, spaces, or drives.
Even if they do, the assigned parking bay(s) or off-street parking may not be directly outside your new home.
Parking can therefore be a big issue for homeowners especially those who have multi-car households or regular visitors.
Discussing the parking situation with a developer can help you understand whether there’s dedicated parking, how much it costs, where it is, and whether it will work for your household.
Plus, homeowners with electric vehicles (or those planning on getting one in the future) should also consider whether charging points are already installed or can be fitted later.
- What will the garden look like upon completion?
It’s common for prospective new build buyers to assume the garden will be fully landscaped before they move in, but this can be a costly assumption to make.
Always discuss exactly what the garden will look like when it’s finished whether it will be turfed, complete with a patio, or landscaped at the front with bushes and trees.
Once you know what to expect, you’ll be able to better weigh up whether you’re getting good value for your money.
- What’s in the local area?
Location. Location. Location.
For many people, the location is more important than the property itself, which is why every developer should have an in-depth understanding of the surrounding area including nearby amenities, transport links, and schools.
At Eaton Homes, we’re committed to building high-quality homes in sought-after areas.
For example, our latest development in Beeston is set in the idyllic Cheshire countryside, yet it benefits from convenient access to transport links, shops, and outdoor attractions.
- Can I get a discount?
Some developers may offer you a discount or incentive to encourage new build purchases particularly if they are off-plan, there are just a few homes left to sell, or they are coming towards the end of their financial year or quarter.
Alternatively, they may run a dedicated discount scheme for key workers, such as those working for the NHS, Police service, Fire service, or in the education sector.
Eaton Homes, for example, offers key workers a deposit contribution of up to £20,000 on new two and four-bedroom Eaton Homes properties starting from £230,000.
It’s always worth discussing your specific circumstances with the developer to find out whether you qualify for potential discounts.
Need more new build questions answering?
We’re the team you can ask.
We want to ensure every prospective homeowner can pick up the keys to their new build feeling positive and excited rather than anxious and confused due to unanswered questions.
Whether you’d like to learn more about any plans to extend the development, or have a question about the length of the builder warranty, we provide clear and comprehensive answers to any concerns or queries you might have.
Our Beeston development page has been specially designed to showcase everything our latest project has to offer. Here, you can explore real buyer experiences, the full site map, and the many benefits of the surrounding countryside.
To get an even better feel for our new build homes in Beeston, Cheshire or to ask any questions you might have in person, why not arrange a viewing?
Simply give us a call on 01829 824044 or send an email enquiry to info@eatonhomes.co.uk.
Looking for more information? find more answers in our home buying hub or have your questions ready? explore Beeston Market.
