Lockdown doesn’t have to = meltdown!

Helen Todd of Stubbings Property Marketing offers her advice for new home buyers in light of the latest lockdown.

As we enter another lockdown, it is understandable that many home buyers will be feeling uncertain about how they can move forward, worried that they can no-longer progress with their search or perhaps even their purchase. However, the Government has made it very clear that the housing market in England remains very much open. This is good news if you are in the process of buying a new home, or indeed at the start of your search.

If you are looking to move, the Government has said that you can continue. You can attend property viewings – as long as strict guidance is followed. As such, all of the developments where we are currently selling remain very much open, with viewings available on an appointment only basis.

For those who would prefer not to travel at this time, an advantage of many new build developments is that the majority are able to offer virtual viewings, meaning you can get a real feel for a property, its layout and its finish, all from the comfort of your sofa!

If you are just commencing your search for a new home, here are a few of our top tips:

Scour the property portals
There are so many portals out there. 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 and get in touch to request more information on any of the homes you like the look of.

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
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.
First and foremost, don’t stress! If you need to move, you still can and there are some fantastic new homes out there. 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 or email sales@stubbingsltd.co.uk

You can access the Government’s latest guidance on home moving here