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Original poster

Has anyone bought a new build house and it not been an absolute disaster?

45 replies

ShirleyPhallus · 12/02/2019 18:11

I’ve only ever heard terrible things about them not being finished properly and the snagging not sorted

Any success stories?

OP posts:
MirandaWest · 12/02/2019 18:12

My mum and dad bought one in 2010 and it’s been fine from what I can tell

gamerwidow · 12/02/2019 18:13

My BF bought a 5 bed townhouse brand new about 10 years ago and has never had any issues.

Boysandbuses · 12/02/2019 18:17

I have had a Ben Bailey and a Miller homes, new build. We never has problems with either. Not did any of the neighbours.

I do often think the stories of new builds or often exagarated. And usually it's 'I have a friend and theirs was awful', everyone seems to have a 'friend' that has a horror story.

I don't think they are anywhere near as bad as people make out. I think some people can be quite snobby about them.

But obviously, some do have issues. Reserach the builder and development, if buying later in the development.

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Property
stayhomeclub · 12/02/2019 18:18

Our friends got a Taylor Wimpey and it was absolutely fine

glamorousgrandmother · 12/02/2019 18:18

We bought a Barratt house off plan. It's been fine and we've lived here for 12 years.

Chottie · 12/02/2019 18:19

We lived in ours for decades and it has been fine....

Bubblysqueak · 12/02/2019 18:20

We've lived in our new build for 8 years and still absolutely love it. The building company were great and the design is well thought out.
I never want to move.

MrsPear · 12/02/2019 18:40

Is there a problem in that you don’t actually own the house it’s similar to leasehold very few are now freehold.

MongerTruffle · 12/02/2019 18:41

MrsPear All of the new builds we’d looked at were freehold.

CoperCabana · 12/02/2019 18:44

Houses are always freehold in my experience. I have bought two and so have many of my friends. A few snags but nothing dramatic and in line with teething problems you would probably have anyway, with the advantage of being able to get the seller to sort it for you!

origamiunicorn · 12/02/2019 18:45

Yes we bought a 3 bed from Taylor Wimpey a few years ago, there were a handful of snags (mainly hairline cracks from the house settling which is normal) but nothing else.

I love our home, it's nice living somewhere no one else has and everything is sparkly and new. The best bit is it's so well insulated that it hold the heat well. I opened the window the other day to let some heat out as it was boiling! Blush

Crikeyblimey · 12/02/2019 18:45

Been in ours 4 years. A few issues at the beginning but I was super critical and mostly they were minor. Some niggles (thin walls) but on the whole absolutely love it. Let’s face it, every house has something that isn’t perfect but at least with a new build you know this early on.

Our estate was sold as leasehold but we simply bought the freehold at the time of purchase (cost about £3k and was very straightforward). Lots now offer freehold from the get go.

Bittermints · 12/02/2019 18:46

My parents have bought off plan from a builder twice and both times it's been fine.

First time in 1971. I was nosey and had a look on the internet not long ago - house still standing and occupied, and so were all its neighbours! I was only little so wouldn't have been too aware of any minor problems, I suppose, but there certainly weren't any major issues.

Second time was nearly 20 years ago. There were some snagging issues. Main bigger problem was with the boiler but it wasn't that bad. They're still there and the house is fine.

Hazlenutpie · 12/02/2019 18:48

Ours is lovely and absolutely fine in every way. It's lovely and warm and the best bit is the maintenance there isn't any.

Borntobeamum · 12/02/2019 18:50

Bought a brand new Home 14 months ago.
Still have a few on going issues, but absolutely love it so can cope with the snags which are being sorted s they appear!

Boysandbuses · 12/02/2019 18:53

Houses are always freehold in my experience

Alot are leasehold now. But that's doesn't mean you don't own the house. You have a lease on the land. We had a leasehold. Caused no issues, even when we sold.

glamorousgrandmother · 12/02/2019 18:56

Ours is leasehold but we have the option to buy it - just haven't got round to it yet.

SnuggyBuggy · 12/02/2019 18:58

There do appear to be decent quality ones available now. My ILs are happy with theirs

Thecazelets · 12/02/2019 19:00

Pil bought a newbuild in 2006 and love it. No probs that I'm aware of. But it was from a small local firm, not from one of the big national builders often seen in the bad news stories.

YippeeKayakOtherBuckets · 12/02/2019 19:01

Ours is fab. Four good sized double bedrooms, spacious kitchen, a couple of bonus rooms downstairs. Super insulated, no structural issues or flimsy walls, it’s beautiful. I’d never buy a second hand house again.

We’ve been here nearly five years.

anniehm · 12/02/2019 19:05

My parents one is fine, though dads a builder and they bought from a tiny local developer. Some of the fittings weren't the best and they didn't allow space for a freezer at all (odd!) but otherwise mums only gripe is the dining room is tight for a 8 seater table

Daisy03 · 12/02/2019 19:08

We’re on our second, both have had a few minor snags at the beginning but we’re dealt with quickly and courteously.
Lovely having a house that’s economical to run in terms of heat, and needs hardly any maintenance.
I find there’s a lot of snobbery but every house was a new build once

MunteoirMajella · 12/02/2019 19:42

You'll have far more hassle buying a do-er upper for sure.

Sleepyquest · 12/02/2019 19:50

We love ours! There were a few snags but nothing major.
Avoid Persimmon as they are the ones who are shoddy

MrsPinkCock · 12/02/2019 19:52

Yes, we’ve had two. One was a big house builder, one an independent builder.

The independent was slightly better quality but both had minor snags that were fixed fairly quickly.