Mortgages for new build homes

What are the advantages of new build homes?

New build properties often appeal to home-buyers as they typically come with a warranty such as the National House Building Council (NHBC) 10-year certificate which protects you if there are any major defects in the building work. You may also be able to choose your own fittings and finishes such as tiles, carpets, kitchen and bathroom. They also have the advantage that you won’t be involved in a chain, which can make the whole buying process much easier. Another benefit is that new homes are typically more energy-efficient than older properties, which could save you money on your gas and electricity bills.

What are the drawbacks to new build homes?

New build properties can be more expensive than older similar properties. This is often referred to as the ‘new build premium’ and means that if you’re considering purchasing a new build, you should aim to stay put for a few years. If you sell very soon after buying, you might find the property has fallen in value. You may have higher up-front costs than if you were buying an older home, and new build properties often require you to put down a reservation fee to reserve the plot for a specific period. Another possible drawback is that if you’re buying a new build property off-plan, there is a chance that construction gets delayed. This could mean you aren’t able to move into the property on the date you planned.

Securing a new build mortgage

If you’re considering buying a new build property, your first step should be to speak to a mortgage broker. We can help you work out how much you can afford to borrow and what it'll cost. We can also check if you're eligible for any home-buying schemes, such as Shared Ownership. Lenders need to know that you are buying a new build because you may need a mortgage that can cope with a long delay between exchange and completion. Otherwise, there’s a risk that your mortgage offer might run out before your home is ready to move in to and then you’d need to apply for a mortgage all over again.

New build buyer incentives

Many developers offer incentives to tempt buyers, including having your stamp duty or legal fees paid. Lenders will take these incentives into account when considering how much to lend you. They may reduce the amount you can borrow if the incentive is worth a significant amount, for example, more than 5% of the value of the property. This could affect the mortgage rates you’re eligible for if it has an impact on your loan to value, or how much you’re borrowing in relation to how much the property is worth. Again, a broker will be able to advise on the potential impact of buyer incentives on your mortgage.

Once you’ve submitted an offer

To secure your new build home, you’ll need to put down a reservation fee deposit. Some developers work to tight timescales, so you may only have 28 days from the point you pay your deposit to exchange contracts, which means you’ll need to apply for your mortgage as quickly as possible. Arranging a mortgage at short notice can be a challenge for mortgage lenders, which is where our knowledge and relationships with them can help. We have access to new build priority help desks with mortgage lenders which enables us to process your mortgage application quickly and reduce the normal timeframe for getting an offer. We’ll communicate and work closely with all parties, including the developer and solicitors.

The new build buying process – at a glance

• Step 1 – Contact a broker to see how much you can borrow and which deals you might be eligible for.

• Step 2 - Start house-hunting.

• Step 3 - When you have found your home, negotiate the price and incentives with the builder. It is worth checking again with your mortgage broker to be sure you can afford the final price you agree.

• Step 4 - Now you're ready to go ahead and pay a reservation fee to the builder. Take the reservation form to your mortgage broker and they will start looking for the best mortgage deal for you.

• Step 5 - Apply for the mortgage. Do not delay because the 28-day deadline starts on the day you pay the reservation fee. Supply any documents the lender requests such as proof of income and proof of identity.

• Step 6 - Instruct a solicitor. At L&C we can help you find one if necessary.

• Step 7 - The lender will issue a mortgage offer once it's carried out a survey and approved your application. You'll then be ready to exchange, pay a deposit and set a completion date which will probably be when the building is finally finished.

‍For help finding the right mortgage for your new build home, speak to one of our expert advisers. Our service is free to use.