New Build Homeowner Guide
Clarity before commitment.Confidence before completion.
We have created a full homeowner guide to support buyers from the early buying stage, through handover and into the first weeks of occupation.This page gives you a taste of that wider guide, starting with Ask Before You Buy, so you can better understand what to clarify before committing to a new build home.
What stage is the property at?
Understanding the current construction stage helps set expectations for completion and when you might be able to start planning your move.
What are the completion timescales?
Ask for an estimated build completion date and understand how the developer handles delays and updates throughout the process.
What are the ground levels and drainage arrangements?
Understand the topography of your plot, how surface water is managed, and where any manholes or sustainable drainage features are located.
What management charges apply?
Get a clear breakdown of any estate management fees, service charges, or ground rents that will apply once you move in.
A useful sample from the full New Build Homeowner Guide
Ask Before You Buy
People often ask us, “What should we ask before buying a new build?”
That is why we created the New Build Homeowner Guide. It helps buyers understand what to clarify before reserving, what to look out for before handover, and how to approach the process with more confidence.
This section gives you a useful sample from the full guide.
Ask with clarity. Commit with confidence.
The full Homeowner Guide expands on these points with wider guidance for handover, completion, early occupation, communication and homeowner responsibility.
What is included as standard?
Clarify exactly what fixtures, fittings, and finishes are included in the base price and what counts as an optional extra or upgrade.
What construction method is being used?
Different build methods (like timber frame or traditional brick and block) have different characteristics and maintenance profiles.
Are roads, drains and communal areas adopted?
Clarify which areas will be maintained by the local authority and which will remain private, requiring homeowner or management company care.
What practical living details should I know?
From bin storage and cycle parking to EV charging points and broadband connectivity providers available on site.
Before you buy
Questions to clarify before reserving, exchanging or committing to a new build home.
Handover and completion
Guidance on the transition from construction to ownership, including your pre-completion inspection and key handover points.
First 30 days
Support for monitoring early occupation, managing the snagging process and communicating with customer care.
Ongoing responsibility
Understanding your role in maintaining a new build home, from managing ventilation to external care during the warranty period.
What the full Homeowner Guide covers
The full guide has been created to support new build buyers and homeowners through the key stages of the journey, from early questions before reservation to handover, completion and early occupation.