Part exchange for new build

[LuluBell85]

We are fairly sure we would like to part exchange our new build (3 yrs old) for a bigger new build. What have your experiences been of this? Will I have to part with my lovely wine fridge and washer/dryer? TIA x

When I looked at part exchange the price offered was pretty reasonable, especially considering no estate agent fees to pay. Had we gone for the new build we would have accepted the part exchange price because buying a new build whilst in a chain is a nightmare (unless you are able to break the chain).

Are the appliances you mention built-in? Can you negotiate these things as extras on your new purchase?

It depends to some extent, what stage the build is at. If the house is built, they probably won’t change anything. If it’s at an earlier stage, they might adjust the kitchen spec. Is there a utility room in the bigger house?

Thanks for replies.

The move in date is Feb 2026 @Buscobel. We feel it's too soon for us and all the finishes have been chosen. They wouldn't have been our first choice but they were nice enough. This new house would be much bigger so we'd have more room to fill. Currently bursting at the seams in our house!

I'm not sure whether there is room to negotiate appliances. Maybe that depends on the offer they make? We didn't make it to that stage.

It was interesting to find out about the process. We'd like to do part exchange but maybe in a year or so because as you say it would be a nightmare to buy a new build. We don't want to have to move into rented accommodation.

Can I ask @ZanyMaker why you didn't opt for part exchange in the end?

With part exchange the main thing to expect is that the developer will usually offer slightly under market value, but the process is quick and removes a lot of stress.

You can normally take anything that isn’t built in. Freestanding appliances like a wine fridge or washer dryer are yours unless you choose to leave them. Just make it clear on the fixtures and fittings form so there’s no confusion.

We just decided against the new build - had we bought it we would have part exchanged. I think our part ex offer was about 4% lower than estate agent valuations, although 1% plus VAT would have been saved on estate agent fees, making the difference only about 3%. In fact, the part ex price was very similar to what we actually sold for on the open market.

We part exchanged a few years back for a new build. We were desperate to move and struggling to sell. Was so easy and quick. We had our stamp duty paid and other stuff chucked in too! Would definitely do it again. We did have to use their approved solicitors but they were great. They wanted us to use their mortgage advisor too but we refused as we were all ready to go with our own one!

The property we were selling did eventually sell for them and sold for what we got for it!

We also did this a couple of years ago. We knew we probably could have got a bit more for the old house if we sold it ourselves, but part exchange removed so much hassle because we didn’t have to move out until the new house was ready.

How does that work, did you exchange contracts and have a completion date of when the new house was finished?

The contract had an estimated completion date that wasn’t finalised until nearer the time. I think the sale took place in about June and we didn’t move until September.

We did exactly what you are thinking of doing. Helped it was the same builder. Our house sold in 2 weeks so we were given an extra £500.

Regarding appliances - I was told recently by the developer I bought off that they HAD to sell kitchens complete with cookers and things, and would not sell a house without.