Negotiate price on new build property?

[Steedie]

Hi guys,

I've been given the go ahead with regards to the purchase of my first home today. Spoke to the mortgage advisor today who says I've been approved and given "Authority to Proceed", so now have an appointment tomorrow to reserve the property and to discuss optional extras and personalising, as well as signing as much as can be done at this point.

It's a Taylor Wimpey home through Help to Buy, and because the property isn't complete yet (we have a move in date of Nov/Dec) we can't exchange contracts until June.

I'd assumed up until reading tonight that a new build price is the price, and you don't really make offers or negotiate on a new build. But apparently that most definitely isn't the case, and you should try negotiating for money off the list price, or to include optional extras/stamp duty. What are peoples thoughts on this? Anyone gone through a new build purchase recently or have any other kind of experience?

I'm terrible with negotiating as I'm so typically British and overly polite, but with such a big purchase I'm going to force myself to be a bit tougher, just wondered what sort of tips you guys have for things to ask for in terms of reasonable % off or what kind of extras to ask for as part of the purchase price.

I'm extremely nervous all of a sudden as tomorrow I pretty much commit to the biggest purchase of my life, and tomorrow I know my brains going to be going at a million miles per hour so if I can get some advice on here that I can take with me, that would be awesome.

If it helps the value of the home is £330k for a 3 bedroom (darn sarf innit)

Finally, any tips on new build purchases in general? I'm a little worried we're paying for something that isn't finished yet. Ending up with a street light right outside the bedroom window or manhole covers right outside etc.

Thanks guys, really appreciate any help as always

 

[Steedie]

Haha I can imagine! I'm prepared, reading some of the stories online of people buying new builds off plan is almost enough to put me off.

 

[Steedie]

I bought off plan a couple of years ago and got all the options, white goods, stamp duty paid by TW. 3 bed semi darn sarf. They asked what it would take to get the sale, so I listed everything I could think of. After the deposit I didn't actually have enough money to buy anything else anyway, so it really was necessary to get the sale.

Great western park by any chance?

Having been in a month, yes there are snags - some quite significant but equally it could have been a lot worse. Overall I'm quite happy (as long as they fix the snags).

How have you found getting stuff sorted?

 

[Steedie]

Well hello neighbour! I may send you a trust if that's ok?

And I'll take a look at the Facebook group, thanks

 

[Steedie]

Yeah these have sold quite quickly, although not ridiculously quickly which makes me feel that they'll probably just tell us to jog on. Price wise I'm fine with if I'm honest, even knowing that their will be a markup given it's a new build.

But if I can get any options or stamp duty thrown in, then I'd be well chuffed

 

[Steedie]

Thanks for all the replies

 

[Steedie]

Sounds like stamp duty being paid is pretty common from replies on here and moneysavingexpert forums. That would definitely be very handy!

 

[Steedie]

Thanks guys,

Yeah we've been given the 2 week deadline (which is set after reservation) to get the solicitors to do do all their checks now we've signed the paperwork. Any recommendations for good solicitors that people have used? We've been in contact with a few but obviously as we've not been able to pay to proceed yet, we're not committed to anyone.

We actually switched plots at the last minute. Again, buying off plan it's an identical property in terms of inside and out, but with a much bigger garden and a double garage (new home gym ) and the drive is long enough to fit 3 cars on, so made sense, it's 5k cheaper too. It wasn't advertised yet as it's not available but they told us about it after we voiced some concerns when visiting the site and looking at the foundations.

The good thing about this new one is it's ready to move in for September too which is a bonus.

We did push for some freebies thrown in but they were adamant that because they are selling so fast and have such a high level of interest, they've been told to do no deals for people as someone else will come along and buy it anyway. I may try again next appointment where we finalise options but as it's cheaper anyway and has some added bonuses, I'm much happier about the price