Negotiating the price of the new build

[Happynuggets]

Hi all,

I am looking for some words of wisdom from you all. DH and I have recently spotted a new build which ticks all boxes. It's around 460 grand and we asked for a stamp duty contribution of around 9,000, which was immediately accepted by the developer.

The development is in a sought after location but we are still struggling whether we should sign the reservation form as we are not sure whether property prices may fall in the coming months and we might be able to get a better offer by that time.

Are we being too generous to the developer? Any tactics on negotiating a better deal or to bring more deal sweeteners back home?

Make an offer now, but if it’s a dream home how would you feel if you lost out?

When we've bought a new build we've always managed to get freehold thrown in when it's been leasehold and flooring throughout. Hope this helps

Ask for the top spec to be included etc
ask for any extras you want included I’d go for things like that over a price reduction

Exactly. This is the struggling point. AIBU if I just make a counter offer as the developer has already accepted my initial one?

If you've already made an offer which has been accepted you've given yourself a lot less leverage to negotiate. Can you ask for extras to be included like upgraded flooring/white goods/etc?

They could say yes or they could say no
decide if you want money off the purchase price or want things included within that purchase price.

new builds tend to get expensive when you look at the final finishes even including silly things like turf will be £££ . So I’d get a copy of their price guide for previous developments or if they have one for this development and see what you think. We got the top spec included for the basic spec cost which was more important to us than money off

Sorry but this smacks of wanting your cake and eating it.

House prices could go down yes, they could also go up, same as with the house you may be selling. Its market forces and part of the gamble, you need to offer what you're happy with and they need to decide if their happy to accept. Sounds like you already did that and the offer was accepted. Your perogative to be able to change your offer or withdraw but for most people thats very annoying, just because they are a developer and not a single seller doesnt make it any less so.