Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Flexible and made to last.

Meet the Other Phone.
Flexible and made to last.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

New build house

71 replies

Avocadoandlemons · 28/01/2022 22:26

Am considering one.... is this a mistake?

Higher end one off build, not part of a bigger development. 2 storey house.

10 year guarantee

What do I need to be wary of?

Is it reasonable to consider or avoid at all costs?!

OP posts:
WeAreTheHeroes · 29/01/2022 08:14

@Homerenonovice

Is there a tax break from living there for a year?
Yes - it reduces capital gains tax liability.
MrsDThomas · 29/01/2022 08:16

Personally i find the estate houses boring, bland and lacking life. They’re all the same. If you build yourself its a different matter. Its your specification.

My friend lives on a new estate. They look nice but that is all. Its boring.

My house is over 250 years old. Full of history and character and wonky walls. Love it!

QforCucumber · 29/01/2022 08:20

The live in for a year thing will be to avoid the capital gains as it’s not seen as a business venture but a home, it wouldn’t surprise me if they have another home which they’ve rented out or something for the year. It’s very common in self builds to do this

Original poster
Avocadoandlemons · 29/01/2022 08:20

@WeAreTheHeroes presumably this is just for the people who built it? We wouldn't be able to get a tax break as incoming buyers even if house stopped under a year old?

Its not on an estate. Its a one off build. Completely unique . No plans for more

OP posts:
Original poster
Avocadoandlemons · 29/01/2022 08:24

@QforCucumber are there any tax breaks for us as buyers of a new build??

OP posts:
Sleepyquest · 29/01/2022 08:30

[quote Avocadoandlemons]@QforCucumber are there any tax breaks for us as buyers of a new build??[/quote]
No

I love new builds Smile

Homerenonovice · 29/01/2022 08:39

@Avocadoandlemons I asked about the tax break, because I had a vague recollection of hearing something like that before and thought that might be why they lived in it for a year and are then selling. Just an alternative thought to there being something wrong with it.

CheshireSplat · 29/01/2022 08:42

[quote Homerenonovice]@Avocadoandlemons I asked about the tax break, because I had a vague recollection of hearing something like that before and thought that might be why they lived in it for a year and are then selling. Just an alternative thought to there being something wrong with it.[/quote]
Are you thinking of the fact there is no Capital Gains tax for a house you live in, but there is for somewhere which isn't your main property?

SportsMother · 29/01/2022 08:43

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

WeAreTheHeroes · 29/01/2022 08:48

No, the capital gains tax relief is for the developer and comes from it being their primary residence before they sell it on. Often when someone on Homes Under the Hammer says they've decided to live in the house they've renovated it's for this reason, but they never say so explicitly.

Original poster
Avocadoandlemons · 29/01/2022 12:46

Ah ok thanks for the clarification

Is there anything else to look out for in q new build?Daffodil

OP posts:
Clymene · 29/01/2022 12:55

I'd want to know what other houses they've built. At least with a developer, you've got a chance to see what their houses look like in 10 years' times

Original poster
Avocadoandlemons · 30/01/2022 22:38

Good point

OP posts:
Original poster
Avocadoandlemons · 30/01/2022 22:38

@Clymene

I'd want to know what other houses they've built. At least with a developer, you've got a chance to see what their houses look like in 10 years' times
Good point . Thank you
OP posts:
RandomMess · 30/01/2022 22:46

Does it have a heat source pump? PILS one was a nightmare and cost them £££££ in bills and multiple visits until it was working "ok" still not 100% right though. Their bills would be evidence it's ok though.

ToykotoLosAngeles · 30/01/2022 22:54

Not all mortgage lenders will lend on a house without an NHBC warranty.

22itsallnew · 30/01/2022 22:59

Love the light and warmth of a new build. Love old properties but they often feel cold and dark when I visit friends now

22itsallnew · 30/01/2022 23:02

No hassle & costs in replacements for the next few years - new boiler, white goods, wiring, windows, flooring, kitchen, bathrooms all done for you

Original poster
Avocadoandlemons · 30/01/2022 23:04

@ToykotoLosAngeles

Not all mortgage lenders will lend on a house without an NHBC warranty.
@ToykotoLosAngeles is an NHBC warranty the same sort of product as a LAB warranty? Or do you need both?
OP posts:
Original poster
Avocadoandlemons · 30/01/2022 23:05

@22itsallnew

Love the light and warmth of a new build. Love old properties but they often feel cold and dark when I visit friends now
Yes this is part of the appeal. Plus very sensibly arranged eg all bedrooms en suite etc.Halo
OP posts:
StoneofDestiny · 30/01/2022 23:24

We live in a new build on a very small development and I love it. It really depends on the developer and the price point. We have none of the complaints people bizarrely assign to new builds only (like parking probs, small rooms and small garden). I had all of these in a period cottage and a terraced home, not to mention a city centre flat.
Current home has plenty of parking on and off drive, big rooms and big garden.
Best of all we have an A rating - every energy and water saving device and the lowest heating bills we've ever had. So easy to heat and keep warm (south facing helps) but can be too hot in summer as we have such a lot of glass.
Get a full survey done and check for any issues. Many people build homes and move out soon just to make a profit - not always suspicious.

StoneofDestiny · 30/01/2022 23:31

I should add - we are no longer shelling out money and time on endless repairs - relief.

Original poster
Avocadoandlemons · 31/01/2022 08:05

@RandomMess

Does it have a heat source pump? PILS one was a nightmare and cost them £££££ in bills and multiple visits until it was working "ok" still not 100% right though. Their bills would be evidence it's ok though.
@RandomMess it has an air source heat pump... is this what you mean? What was wrong with theirs so I can look out for it! Not sure if you're allowed to ask to see bills?
OP posts:
Original poster
Avocadoandlemons · 31/01/2022 08:07

@StoneofDestiny good to hear some positive stories!!! Thanks

The one we are looking at is only epcB listed in spite of a 2021 completion- is this a concern / red flag do you think?

Thanks

OP posts:
RandomMess · 31/01/2022 08:31

They never got to the bottom of what was wrong but for the first year or so it was costing them double/triple what you would expect combined gas/electric would be for a modern house of that size year around. It's still not perfect their hot water is scalding one day per week put they daren't alter anything now that it seems to be mostly ok! They had the manufacturer and installation engineers out and neither would accept responsibility and tried to charge them for visits for something clearly not working.