Advice for New Home Buyers

If you are currently in the process of searching for a new home, we appreciate that viewing potential properties will be temporarily now on hold, as you adhere to the Government advice around COVID-19. However, there are still a number of steps you can take to ensure that you can hit the ground running, when the restrictions are lifted. Here are a few tips from us:

Scour the property portals
There are so many portals out there, from Rightmove and Zoopla to the likes of New Homes for Sale. Take the time to visit all of the portals, as not all developers and agents advertise across them all. Widen your search criteria too, to ensure you capture the best of what is available.

Visit housebuilder websites/microsites
Make sure you visit developer websites and microsites as well as portals, to gather as much information as you can about a development and the housebuilder selling the homes. These sites will often give you more of a flavour of what the developer will be like to deal with – do they have any awards, positive customer testimonials? All of this will help you to build up a picture. Request brochures and email for more information where possible so that you have as much information as possible available to you, in order to assist you in creating a shortlist.

Google Street View
Take advantage of Google Street View to give you an idea of the development and it’s immediate vicinity. If the development is under construction or recently completed the view available may not be totally up to date but if the area is close to a high street/village centre etc, it will give you a good indication of what is on offer in the local area.

Don’t be afraid to call
All of our clients are up and running during this time, as are we – albeit from remote locations. If you have any questions, then try giving them a call. Speaking to a ‘real’ person will give you more of a flavour of the development and they may be able to advise you of recommended solicitors/financial advisors etc they work with, which would allow you to get mortgage qualified now.

Research mortgage options
With the Bank of England reducing interest rates again, there are some very competitive mortgage deals currently on the market. Do your research now to see what might be available to you. Speak to an Independent Financial Advisor (IFA) to get an idea of what you could borrow and what your repayments would look like. Most developers have recommended IFAs they can put you in touch with – you are under no obligation to go with the mortgage they recommend for you but it will give you a clear idea of your financial position.

Good luck with your search! We have a number of developments currently selling across the UK – from seaside family homes to luxury apartments and first time buyer properties. For a full list, you can view our website: Homes for Sale

If we can be of any assistance call us on 01628 482276, email sales@stubbingsltd.co.uk or visit www.stubbingsltd.co.uk