Buying a new home is an exciting milestone, whether you’re taking your first step on the housing ladder or you’re a frequent house-mover. However, for many, the process can feel overwhelming.
Unlike purchasing a second-hand property, buying a newly built home comes with its own set of considerations - from understanding the buying process, knowing the choices and incentives available to you, and ensuring you know what warranties are in place.
We sat down with Beverley Griffiths and Harvey Sallows in our Central and Eastern regions to create our perfect guide to help you navigate your house-buying journey with confidence.
Location, Location, Location
The first step of your house-hunting journey is to understand where you want to live. From market towns to quaint villages, Sussex and the Surrey Hills to the Kent coastline, we have a wide variety of developments suitable to different buyers’ preferences.
Ensure when you do your research that you’re clear on your priorities – whether that’s amenities, outdoor spaces, transport links, or schools.
The Buying Process
Once you find your perfect Elivia home, you’ll need to reserve your plot by paying a reservation fee. This fee secures your chosen home and takes it off the market. You’ll then need to speak with a mortgage advisor if you require refinancing and a solicitor, both of whom will ideally be experts in new build homes, to secure your financing and legal requirements. Some lenders offer mortgages specifically tailored for new-build properties, so be sure to explore all your options.
Purchasing a new home doesn’t need to be stressful though, and one of the many benefits of buying a new-build home is the breadth of buying options available. To help our customers we offer a number of schemes to make things convenient, so you can concentrate on starting life in one of our luxurious homes.
Our Smooth Move package sees us take care of the sale of your existing home. We’ll look after the pricing strategy, manage visits and offers and keep you updated every step of the way. Once an offer is accepted you can then reserve the Elivia Homes property you adore. We’ll take care of the agent fees too, not only saving you time and hassle, but money too.
Seeing the process through from start to finish, you will have the opportunity to visit the site and see the progress of your new home, and we’ll keep you updated on key milestones – making sure you feel involved every step of the way.
Once construction is complete, you’ll receive your keys and can officially move into your brand-new home.
Understanding Your New Home Warranty
One of the major benefits of buying a new-build home is the protection that comes with the warranty. Every one of our homes comes with a two-year Elivia Homes warranty and a 10-year structural warranty, covering any issues in the design or materials of the property.
Our homes have been individually built by a skilled craftsman, through all seasons of the year, using up to 75,000 different components. We pride ourselves on our high-quality and considered approach to construction, and as such we always hope that warranties do not need to be used. But the comfort they offer homebuyers cannot be underestimated.
Tips for a Smooth New-Build Purchase
My top tips for a smooth buying process would be:
- Do Your Research – Visit our show homes and explore a few of our developments in your desired county before cementing your decision.
- Ask About Customisation – We may be able to offer the opportunity for our buyers to choose some of the interior finishes, kitchen furniture and tiles.
- Understand the Timelines – Build schedules can sometimes change and can be affected by adverse weather conditions. We keep our buyers updated every step of the way and will always ensure you have the most up to date information about the build schedule of your home.
- Budget for Extras – Landscaping, curtains, and some fittings may not be included, so it’s important to set aside a budget for these.
- Enjoy it – Most people move house around three times in their life. So, whether it’s your first home or forever family home, try to enjoy the process and get excited for the amazing memories you will make.
Purchasing a new-build home is a fantastic opportunity to move into a property designed for modern living, with the added peace of mind that comes from warranties and energy-efficient features. By understanding the process and being prepared, you can make the experience smooth and enjoyable.
If you’re considering a new home in 2025, start exploring your options today and take the first step toward owning your dream Elivia home.