Guide to buying a new build

Buying a new-build home comes with great benefits:

• You can buy new homes before they are built
• They are energy-efficient
• They may be under warranty
• They are chain-free and more flexible
• They are low maintenance
• You can personalise them
• Buying schemes are available
  
  

You can buy new homes before they are built

Many developers offer off-plan properties, meaning you can buy them before they’re built or before construction has started. It’s a great way to move to an area you like or where there is high demand. 

They are chain-free and more flexible

First-time buyers and those selling another property are not part of a chain when buying a new-build home. This means you can buy your home at your own pace and move in once it’s ready.

New-build homes are energy-efficient

New-build homes tend to be better insulated, with double and tripled-glazed windows. This means lower utility bills and higher energy-efficiency.

According to indicative figures from the HBF – Watt a Save’s report from February 2023, home buyers could save more than £3,100 a year when buying new. This is because 85% of new-build homes have an EPC of A and B as opposed to older properties.

All our Barratt homes are up to 63% more energy-efficient, with high insulation and argon-filled double-glazing as standard.

They may be under warranty 

If your new-build home is registered with the National House Building Council (NHBC), it will come with a 10-year warranty and protection schemes. Some developers also offer a two-year warranty on top of this.

If you buy your new-build home with Barratt Homes, you’ll benefit from a 10-year structural warranty, covering the costs of any damage from faults. We also offer a 2-year features and fittings warranty.

 

Buying schemes are available for new-build homes

Many developers offer schemes to encourage people to buy a new-build home.

Buying your new home with Barratt Homes means you can take advantage of unique offers, whether you’re a first-time buyer or an existing homeowner.

You can personalise them 

Some developers let home buyers choose design aspects of their new build. This could be everything from doors and plug sockets to garden landscaping and tiling.

At Barratt Homes, we always keep home buyers’ needs in mind. We design modern and spacious homes with multi-purpose rooms flowing between indoors and outdoors. When buying your home with us, you can style it as you like. Pick from a wide range of flooring, appliances, furnishings and fittings.

They are low maintenance

One of the main benefits of buying a new-build home is the low maintenance. You won’t need to do repairs or redecorate when you move in, most likely for the first few years.  

 

Agree to a mortgage in principle 

Before reserving your home, you’ll need a mortgage in principle. Mortgage offers usually last between 3 and 6 months, so ensure your completion date is within this timeframe. If not, it may become invalid.

It’s worth getting a mortgage adviser to discuss your options. They know the market better and can advise on the best options for your circumstances.

 

 

 

 

Reserving your home

Once you’ve set your eyes on a property, it’s time to reserve it. Contact one of our Sales Advisers, who will ask a few questions and take it off the market. You’ll pay a reservation fee between £500 and £1,000.

After you pay the fee, you’ll receive a written agreement outlining the following:

• The price of the property
• What you're buying in detail (e.g., if the property has parking)
• When the reservation agreement ends
• Any additional costs
• Terms and conditions, which outline what you'll need to do if the purchase falls through

Read more about the costs of buying a new home with Barratt Homes in our guide.

Appoint a conveyancing solicitor

The next step is to appoint a conveyancing solicitor to deal with the legal side of your purchase. They’ll ensure the contracts aren’t working against you and guide you through the buying process.  

Secure your mortgage

At this stage, you should already have an agreed mortgage in principle. Now it’s time to get a formal offer. Your mortgage lender will arrange for a surveyor to evaluate the property.

If you’re buying off-plan, the evaluation is based on the plan the developer has provided.
 

Pay the deposit

The deposit for buying a new home is usually 10% but can range between 10% and 30%.

Exchange contracts

When it’s time to exchange contracts, you have 28 days. Your conveyancing solicitor will check the following:

• The terms of the contract
• The title of the property
• The planning documents
• Any additional paperwork

If everything is fine, you’ll need to sign the relevant paperwork.

Before moving in

Before moving in, we recommend checking for issues. You can make a list of things that you notice are damaged or not perfectly up to scratch so that you can notify the developer in time. Here are some key areas to check:

• Plumbing
• Electrics
• Brickwork
• Walls, floors and ceilings
• Windows
• Tiling
• Paintwork
• Fitted furniture
• Carpentry
  
  

 

Like any other home purchase, you’ll need to pay Stamp Duty on new-build homes. Stamp Duty Land Tax is paid on property or land bought in England.

 

 

Help to Sell

If you’re looking to start your next adventure, but are worried about the hassle of moving, we have a range of schemes available to help you sell your existing home.

 

Part Exchange

We could be your guaranteed buyer, so no stress or fuss, just an easy move for you and your family. 

Low Deposit Offers

If you have a low deposit, we have a variety of schemes available to help make moving more affordable.

 

Movemaker

We could help you arrange to sell your existing home, so you'll have no estate agent fees to pay.