Tips to reduce stress for new home buyers

Buying a new home will be one of the most significant purchases you are likely to make and probably one of the most stressful. But being prepared and having a good understanding of the process beforehand, can makes things a lot easier. Take a look at our stress-busting tips below to help alleviate some of the stress from your purchase.

Tip 1 – Be prepared
When you’re buying a new build home it’s easy to get carried away with the excitement and prospect of moving in, but it’s important not to lose track of the more mundane, but no less important aspects of your purchase. We have set out 9 essential steps for new home buyers to help you understand what to expect at each stage of the process and to help prevent any unwanted surprises further down the line.

Tip 2 – Ask lots of questions!
It’s crucial that you fully understand what’s involved and what to expect from your new home – particularly if you’re buying a home under construction that you can’t yet see. Understanding all aspects of your new property purchase is key, and there are a number of important things you should clarify along the way.

Tip 3 – Understand your reservation agreement
Signing a Reservation Agreement is your first commitment towards buying a brand new home and it’s really important. The agreement should include specific information about the property and what’s included as well as details of the warranty cover and your termination rights. We’ve outlined some of the main things you need to know before signing your agreement.

Tip 4 – Keep track of progress
Buying a new home usually involves a new mortgage, legal requirements, contract considerations and a whole lot more, so it’s important to keep on top of things. Read our top tips for keeping your new build on track to help ensure your purchase is as smooth as possible.

Tip 5 – Be thorough with snagging
Brand new does not necessarily mean flawless and new build homes often have minor defects that need to be addressed. Snagging is the process of identifying and flagging these minor imperfections to your builder and can cover anything from paintwork to driveways. Take the time to check that everything in your home functions as it should do, both inside the property and the outside areas. Anything that is damaged, not working properly or hasn’t been completed to the specification agreed, should be reported to your builder, ideally before completion, and definitely any defects you notice up to two years after legal completion. Read our blog for a comprehensive look at snagging.

Stress busting bonus tip:
In the unlikely event that things go wrong, our complaints pack will help you think about what’s needed when making a complaint to your builder or raising a dispute with the Code’s Independent Dispute Resolution Scheme, with a range of tips and guidance as well as useful links and resources.

Stress busting tips for home builders and agents
It’s not just home buyers who can benefit from the Code’s stress-busting support. We have a wealth of resources for home builders and sales agents too, which can help take the pressure off when it comes to complying with the Code.

• Find out what agents need to know about the Code to help you and your builders comply with the Code
• Get it right first time by reading our suite of factsheets covering the various aspects of your home buyers’ journey to help you comply with the Code
• Be confident that you have provided your buyers with all the information they need under the terms of the Code
• Recognise any customers who may be vulnerable and give them extra support as appropriate
• Improve your customer service and head off potential disputes by having a clear and effective complaints process in place
• Turn a complaint into a positive experience for your buyers with our guide to effective complaint handling
• Lastly, ensure sales staff training is updated annually!