There are many new homes being built in Kent and competition for customers is fierce. What follows is a list of things to think about and investigate when you’re shopping around for a new home builder. The process can be bewildering at first but there is plenty of information available and, more importantly, there are good deals to be had for those who are willing to use it.
Discounts and Incentives
When comparing prices between builders, it is a good idea to inquire about what incentives are available. Companies offering new homes for sale in Kent routinely cover estate agent fees, solicitor’s fees and/or stamp duty to encourage you to buy with them. While this is completely legal, you should check carefully that there are not other things the company is trying to hide by dazzling you with discounts. If you are not immediately offered an incentive, don’t be shy about negotiating. Companies would rather sell the house than not, so you may be surprised what sort of deal you end up with.
Quality
A house is no good if it falls down or need heavy repair after two or three years. If you find a deal that is too good to be true, it likely is. Take the time to read up on the different builders and be sure to ask for, and follow up on, references. You may even be able to view a house that is three or four years old if there are open houses in the area. Talking to current owners will give you a good idea of what to expect not only from build quality but also customer service before and after your move-in date.
Design Control
Traditionally, homebuilders have offered three or four set plans from which you may choose. New companies have started a more flexible interior scheme that allows the buyer to arrange rooms to more accurately suit their lifestyle. The room layout and finish are completely negotiable, sometimes even after you’ve moved in! Bedrooms can be made larger or smaller, kitchen moved around to accommodate a home office and bathrooms scaled to suit your family. Essentially it’s like designing your own house without paying an architect or designer.
Buying Plan
Being stuck in a property chain is frustrating and demoralizing. Having your fate decided by gun-shy strangers is very stressful and ends badly far more often that we would like it to. Some innovative new home builders are offering to buy your previous property and save you the hassle of waiting around for the chain to be resolved. There are terms and conditions that should be investigated fully to make sure the scheme is right for you but often times the small loss you take is well worth the reduction in stress.
There are many reasons why buying a new home in Kent is desirable. Investing a little time to research the area’s builders will be an enormous help in ensuring you get the best deal, as will having the patience to shop around and ask questions. With housing prices being so high, builders are doing everything they can to sell their properties. Why not take advantage of the current situation and get the new house of your dreams?
