New build on unadopted/private road and at the bottom of a hill/slope - helppp

[Whichhousetochoose]

Hey everyone, would really appreciate some advice about a new build we are/were about to reserve! Found out a couple of things yesterday that im not sure about. House has not yet been built.

1. This particular road on the estate is a private/unadopted road. There will be 7 houses total along the road. So we will need to pay a maintenance charge to a seperate management company (not the developer). Its about £260 per year at the minute but understand that could rise. What would it mean in the future if something went wrong with the road (eg pothole) or sewer etc? Would we have an extra bill on top of our monthly charge? What if a neighbour doesnt want to pay etc? How would it affect home insurance?

2. This end of the estate is on a downward slope - the house we are looking to buy is on the road right at the bottom of the slope. Im concerned that the rainwater from the houses higher up will end up in our garden and it becomes a bog/floods the house. If relevant, there is a large field beyond the road/house. Developer says garden will be levelled up. I asked to see the drainage plan, which they showed me but to be honest i had absolutely no idea what i was looking at and if it looked suitable!

Any advice would be much appreciated! In all other ways, this is the dream house and ive fantasised about owning one for so long. Will be gutted if this means we have to reconsider. Thank you!

I’m glad you’ve decided not to proceed OP. Don’t second guess your decision now though. Flooding is going to get more widespread going forward so you really don’t want to be at the bottom of a hill. Houses in our village which have never been flooded before have been this year.
Remember that things happen for a reason and a better property will come along for you. Good luck.

Perhaps there are other new build places locally, OP, without flood issues. I must admit, I would worry too about the flood issue. I know a lot of people are very anti new build, and they have a right to their opinions, but I have been very happy in mine. Plus, the recycle carts all drive up the private road to make collections every week - all good.

Dh is a specialist in new build defects, and would strongly advise against buying. They see so many problems with water ingress on sloping sites, and constructing good retaining walls (to stop your house sliding down) and water control is very hard