A show home is designed to impress. These are the questions that cut through the sales polish on any new-build visit, before you reserve.
About the home
- •Is it leasehold or freehold? If leasehold: length, ground rent, service charge?
- •What’s the exact plot, floor and orientation?
- •What’s included (flooring, appliances, wardrobes)?
- •What’s the EPC rating and expected running costs?
About the deal
- •What incentives are available (rate reducer, part-exchange, contributions)?
- •What is the reservation fee and is it refundable?
- •What’s the expected completion date and what if it slips?
About the development
- •How many phases remain and what will be built nearby?
- •Who manages the building and what does the service charge cover?
- •What warranty is provided and how is snagging handled?
Key takeaways
- ✓Always establish tenure, lease terms and charges first.
- ✓Pin down completion date and what happens if it slips.
- ✓Understand the service charge and what it covers.
- ✓Get every incentive and inclusion in writing.
This guide is general information, not legal, mortgage, tax or investment advice. Rules, rates and scheme availability change — confirm current details with a qualified adviser before acting.