The benefits of buying off-plan
Whether you’re dreaming of a modern family home, a stress-free way to downsize or becoming the proud owner of your first home, there are benefits for everyone in buying off-plan.
What does buying ‘off-plan’ mean?
Before we get to the benefits, let’s be clear about what buying ‘off-plan’ is.
It simply means buying a home that hasn’t been built yet. When buying off-plan, the buyer agrees to purchase the property based on the floor plans, drawings and specification set out by the developer or housebuilder.
How do you know what you’re buying?
Off-plan homes are marketed on websites and brochures using floor plans, descriptions, drawings and CGIs (computer-generated images) and detailed specifications. These are designed to give you an accurate picture of each available home.
You may also be able to view a show home at the development you’re interested in. This will demonstrate design, styling and build quality.
If the homebuilder is well established, they may have other developments you can visit to understand the way the wider development is designed and landscaped, as well as the appearance of the individual homes.
It may also be possible to visit a development nearby which has built the same type of home that you are looking to purchase.
1. The beauty of brand new
Buying off plan ensures you’ll be moving into a pristine new home, untouched by any previous occupants. New homes are designed for comfort, flexibility and benefit from being very energy efficient.
Every appliance is brand new and, like the house itself, will come with warranties to protect you against costly damage or breakdowns in the first few years.
One of the most exciting parts of buying off-plan is being able to watch your home being built. Ask the sales team at your development if you can be given a personal tour of your new home at various stages of construction, depending on health and safety restrictions.
2. The luxury of choice
Buying in the early stages of the development often means you have more properties to choose from. Not only do you get to choose the house type that fits you perfectly, you could also secure ‘the one’ – just the right distance from the playpark or with a dreamy view.
You’ll also be able to customise aspects of your new home – one of the most popular reasons for buying off-plan. Depending on the stage of the build and how far through construction they are, it’s likely that you’ll be given the option to choose, specify or upgrade finishes, fittings, materials, lighting, tiles, flooring, appliances and more.
3. Financial benefits
Excellent value: New build homes can be excellent value, especially if you explore the many incentives and schemes offered by homebuilders. These schemes can help to ease the cost and uncertainty of selling and/or reduce the financial pitfalls of being in a property chain.
Low maintenance: brand new means fewer unexpected maintenance costs on the building itself and the fixtures, fittings and appliances.
4. The gift of time
When you buy off-plan compared to a market-ready home, there can be a slightly longer gap between exchanging contracts and moving in – the period when the build is being completed.
For many people, this actually reduces the stress of moving, as they have more time to sell an existing property or wait for a rental agreement to end.
And they can use the intervening months to prepare for the move, whether decluttering, picking out décor and accessories, buying furniture, securing school places or lining up the removal company.
5. Peace of mind
Buying off-plan from an experienced, quality housebuilder means you have the priceless reassurance that they will deliver what they promise on their plans.
Reputable, award-winning housebuilders will not only provide you with a beautifully designed and meticulously constructed home (complete with 10 10-year warranty), they will also make sure the entire buying process is as free from stress and enjoyable as possible.
A great example of what you can and should expect is the Charles Church Commitment.
Is buying off-plan right for you?
Buying off-plan isn’t for everyone, especially if you’re the kind of person who needs to see and touch exactly what you’re buying before you make a commitment.
But for those who have their heart set on a beautiful, premium new sanctuary they can make their own, buying off-plan offers the perfect combination of excitement and reassurance.
One final word of advice: always make sure you’re buying from a housebuilder you trust, with a long and strong track record of delivering high-quality homes supported by exceptional customer service.