Member Article

Advice for buying a new home off-plan

Leading homebuilder Barratt Homes North East is encouraging people looking for a new home to consider the benefits of buying off plan at one of its brand new developments across the North East.

With the property market continually improving, house prices increasing annually by 9.7% across the UK* and a range of Government initiatives encouraging people onto the housing ladder, buying off-plan is becoming an appealing option to many house hunters.

“Getting your feet on the property ladder continues to prove a sound financial investment in today’s economic climate”, said Fenton Hewitt, Sales Director at Barratt Homes North East.

“Although people may have concerns about the future of the housing market, the reality is that there has never been a better time to buy off-plan. By reserving early in the build process, the value of your property may have increased by the time you move in, saving you money and making for a sound investment in the future.”

Top five tips for purchasing off-plan:

1. Get in early

As the saying goes, ‘the early bird catches the worm’ and this is certainly true with buying a brand new home. Not only are the best deals usually offered at early stages of the build, but purchasers will also be able to ensure that they secure their pick of the plots.

2. Do your homework

Make sure you study the drawings and plans carefully. Check the dimensions to make sure your existing furniture is appropriate. Regularly visit the site with the Sales Advisers as build work progresses to ensure nothing has been added or left off the plans.

3. Make your house a home

One of the major advantages to buying off-plan is the ability to choose some of your own fixtures, fittings and finishes from Barratt’s Choices range before you move in. These could include aspects such as kitchen units, flooring and fitted wardrobes, giving you the chance to really personalise your home. What’s more, it will all be professionally fitted before you move in.

4. Bide your time

Whoever said you can’t buy time? Once you’ve bought off plan and paid the reservation fee, use your time wisely to ensure everything is in place for your move; arrange your mortgage, book the removal van and inform people of your new address to save you a job once you’ve moved in.

5. Think ahead

Try to imagine what the area will be like when it’s finished. Will there be any more phases to the development or are there any new amenities planned in the local vicinity? Continued investment is a good indication that an area is on the up and that your property is therefore likely to experience capital growth.

Fenton continued: “We understand that buying off-plan is to some extent a leap of faith, and many purchasers may find it hard to envisage what the home will be like once completed, but rest assured, as a five-star rated homebuilder we build to an extremely high standard and will keep you informed of progress every step of the way.

“Our Sales Advisers offer extensive plans and drawings for all new homes to help you visualise the finished product, and every Barratt property comes with a two year warranty, giving you added peace of mind.

“If you’re still unsure, we encourage you to come and visit our sales centres across the North East to talk to our experienced Sales Advisers about the options available to you, because right now, buying off-plan is certainly a good one.”

Homes are currently available to buy off-plan at City Edge in Newcastle, with prices starting from £95,995.

For further information and to view site plans, visit www.barratthomes.co.uk or call 0844 811 3377.

*Halifax House Price Index February 2016 http://static.halifax.co.uk/assets/pdf/mortgages/pdf/February-2016-Halifax-House-Price-Index.pdf

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Richard Savage .