Exploring a new country, getting married, having children and buying a home are some of the most exciting milestones we face as grown-ups. Genesis Homes can’t book you flights or marry you, but we can certainly help you buy a new home!
Buying a new build is not dissimilar from buying an older home, however there are some differences. We might be biased but we believe buying a new development home is less stressful, will save you money in the long run and is a generally quicker process than buying an existing house. New build houses are more efficient, saving you money on energy costs, you won’t have to enter into a long buying chain, and you have the support of an established buyer to help keep the process moving.
You can buy a new build home off-plan which means you can reserve a home before it has been built. This is particularly advantageous if you have found an area you like but are struggling to find an existing house that meets your requirements. Equally, you can buy a new build home on a developing site or after it has been built.
Below you’ll find our step-by-step guide on how to buy a new house, information on the advantages and disadvantages of buying a new build, as well as top tips and frequently asked questions. Read on for all you need to know about buying a new build home in 2025.
Step-by-Step Guide
Budget
The most important first step to buying a new home is to establish a budget for how much you want to spend. Your budget may be based on a valuation of your existing home, how much deposit you have for a first home, how much you’re able to borrow and how much equity you have to borrow against.
When budgeting for buying new development houses, you will need to investigate the total cost of moving which includes conveyancing, estate agent fees for selling a property, removal costs, insurance costs, surveys, any repairs or inspections needed to sell an existing property, stamp duty, mail redirection, storage and cleaning. Some or all of these may apply to your home move and are fairly standard whether you buy a new home or not. Ensuring you budget for these will save you nasty surprises later on down the line and give you a realistic idea of how much money you have to spend on a property.
Location
Once you have decided that you want to buy a new build home, you’ll need to consider the area you want to live in. There may be a particular postcode you’re aiming for, a catchment area, a county or region. You might want to stay local to where you are, or you might be looking to relocate. Either way, make sure you spend time in the area you want to move to. Visit new build homes at different times of the day, stay overnight where possible and don’t forget to explore the local amenities. This will give you a good idea of the look and feel of a place and will help you decide whether or not it’s somewhere you want to live.
Genesis Homes build new homes developments in beautiful locations scattered across Cumbria, the Borders and Lancashire. Our developments are usually on the outskirts of existing towns and villages, offering excellent access to local amenities but still enjoying the peace and beauty of the local area.
Financing
Being able to finance the purchase of a new build is a vital step in the process of buying new house. Whether you have an existing property to sell, you’re a cash buyer or you’re in rented accommodation, ensuring you have funding in place will mean you’re able to make an offer on a property as soon as you find one. Getting your finance sorted before you begin to look at houses means that a property developer will allow you to reserve a home as soon as you find one you like. If you wait, you risk losing out on your dream home to another person who is proceedable.
Financing a new build house may involve borrowing money. This is called a mortgage. You can apply online quickly for a mortgage in principle, which is where a soft credit check is carried out by lenders to find out your eligibility for a mortgage before an offer is made in writing. This is not a guaranteed mortgage offer but a good indication of your interest, intent and means. A mortgage in principle or mortgage offer will be required to secure a reservation on a new home.
In order to finance your new home, you will need to pay an initial reservation fee to reserve your chosen home and plot. At the point of exchange, you’ll need to pay a deposit for your new house. Finally, the balance will be required on completion of your purchase.
Find your development
Once you have set your budget and narrowed down a location for your new house, you’ll need to get in touch with your developer of choice. Not all developers are made equal and it’s important to do your research, read testimonials and visit existing developments of your chosen house provider. Booking an appointment to visit a show home is an excellent way to dip your toe into the buying process, find out more about your developer and their ethos, explore a home similar in style to those you’re looking to buy and visit the location of your new home.
Reserve your Plot
Buying a home with Genesis involves three stages. Stage one will involve exploring what development, plots, homes and options are available, as well as visiting your chosen show home. This is a staged house on your chosen development that showcases the potential layout, finish and concept of your new home. Stage one will take you through expected timelines for the build, what’s included in your purchase and any optional extras and upgrades you might want to buy.
Stage two is choosing a home with Genesis. This is where you’ll be asked to pay a reservation fee to reserve your home on your new plot. In order to do this your finance must be in place, whether that’s a mortgage, proof of available cash funds or a mixture of both. At this point you’ll be able to visit your new plot, depending on the stage of the build, see the confirmed layout, and look at options for finishes and personalisation.
Stage three is when your contracts are exchanged. This is when you are legally obligated to purchase your new home, and it is a very exciting time. With Genesis Homes this is the point at which you’ll be given a demonstration of your new build house, be introduced to the customer service team and we will liaise with you to help plan your home move.
Conveyancing
Once you have reserved your plot, you’ll need to engage solicitors to begin the conveyancing process of your house purchase. Your developer or mortgage advisor may be able to make recommendations, but it is important that you research your chosen conveyancer as they will be acting on your behalf and responsible for the smooth purchase of your property. Conveyancing fees are fairly standard, but it is worth getting three quotes to ensure you are paying a competitive fee. There will be extra costs for things like bank transfers, extra agreements, checks and other services provided so make sure your quotes are itemised for comparison. Some firms will have online portals and operate digitally which may be more efficient if your work hours are during the day, otherwise opt for a local firm who knows the developer and will have a good working relationship with them already.
Exchange Contracts
After all checks have been carried out, financing is in place, and you have reserved the house you want, the contracts for the purchase will be drawn up. The exchange of signed contracts is the point at which you pay your deposit to secure your new home. You should be given a date for completion at this stage which will usually be within 28 days of exchange of contracts.
It is important that you read your contracts carefully before signing as after you sign the contract is legally binding.
Monitor Construction
All you have to do now is wait for your new home to be finished! You may be able to schedule visits to your home, with the consent of the developer to monitor the progress. Any changes to the timeline will be communicated to you during this period. You will also be able to engage removal companies, start packing and beginning to look at décor for your new home.
Completion
Completion day is the point at which you pay for your finished house and get given the keys! This may or may not be moving day when buying a new build, as once you have paid for your house, it is yours and when you move in is entirely up to you. On completion you will receive all documents, warranties, certificates and manuals for your new home alongside a welcome pack from your developer.
Before you move, think about changing your address with your banks, schools, doctors, dentist, insurers, phone providers, the DVLA and HMRC where necessary, set up a mail redirection to catch any post intended for you at an old address and inform your local council. You may want to sort internet before you move in too so you can get your tech up and running as soon as you’re in. You’ll also need buildings and contents insurance for your new home.
Moving in
This is the final stage to buying a new build home – moving in! Moving days can be hectic so plan ahead, take full advantage of any assistance offered by friends and family and remember to enjoy your first night in your new home.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Buying a New Build Home
We believe there are more advantages to buying a new home than disadvantages but for a thorough understanding of the positives and negatives of buying a new home, check out our blog.
Top Tips for a Smooth Home Buying Process
- Ask questions – buying a new home is a significant purchase so make sure you make a list of all the questions you have and take it to your first show home visit.
- Be flexible – buying a house, even a brand new one, doesn’t always go according to plan. Being flexible and allowing time for potential delays will allay anxiety for all parties.
- Always check terms and conditions – reading through the fine print can be tedious but will give you a thorough understanding of what you are buying and what you are agreeing to.
- Visit at various times – go see your new house first thing in the morning and last thing at night, during the day and at the weekends too. You don’t have to go inside but this will let you experience the local area before you move in, allowing you to confirm you have made the right choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a survey on a new build?
A brand new home that has never been lived in will not generally need a survey, however you are more than welcome to engage a surveyor for your peace of mind.
There are a few types of survey you can carry out. A Level 1 Home Survey is the most basic and will provide you with a traffic light style report of the condition of elements of the house and a summary of potential risks. A Level 2 Home Survey is slightly more in depth, and consequently more expensive, and will check all elements covered with a Level 1 survey in addition to the roof space and any cellar present. Your report will also contain recommendations for improvements and an estimated cost for these. The most in-depth survey is a Level 3 Home Survey which was formerly called a structural survey or building survey. These are recommended for houses older than 50 years and will go through the severity of any defects, risk and potential causes for concern, estimated costs and timescales for carrying out the work.
For a new build home, it is more common to get a Snagging Survey. This report identifies any defects or issues that need fixing by the developer. A pre-completion inspection will highlight any concerns before you complete your purchase to give the developer time to fix these. You can also get a snagging survey after completion although any issues would need addressing while you occupy the home.
For reputable companies such as Genesis Homes, the quality of the contractors they use, coupled with the rigorous checks and inspections that are carried out from conception to completion, negates the need for a snagging survey so you can rest assured that your new home is the best that it can be right from the beginning.
What is classed as a new build?
The term ‘new build’ generally refers to a home that has been newly constructed and never lived in. Some mortgage lenders may have slightly different definitions for borrowing reasons, such as classing newly renovated, refurbished or converted homes as new builds and extend the time frame to the last two years.
Genesis Homes properties are sold as new builds in that they have recently been built and never lived in before.
Can you make an offer on a new build?
Yes, you can make an offer on a new build home, just as you might with an older house. The developer is under no obligation to consider price offers and the price they accept will depend on market conditions and the availability of properties on the development. Some developers may offer extras within the market price as opposed to negotiating the sale price.
How long can you reserve a new build for?
The amount of time you can reserve a new build for will depend on the building stage and will vary from developer to developer. With Genesis Homes when you pay a reservation fee, your new property is held until completion, which is one of the many benefits of buying your new home from us.
Why Buy a Home with Genesis Homes?
Buying a new house is an exciting life choice and the team at Genesis want to make the process as easy as possible for all our new owners, which is why our buying process is so transparent and painless. There are lots of reasons why you should choose Genesis Homes for your new house and why we are different from other developers.
10 year warranty – all our new houses come with a 2 year warranty provided by Genesis Homes as well as a 10 year warranty with LABC (Local Authority Building Control), giving you long-lasting peace of mind.
Energy efficient – all Genesis Homes are fitted with energy efficient lighting, dual flush toilets, double glazing, efficient boiler systems, quality insulation and water saving systems. We also fit smart meters where utility suppliers allow. All of this makes your home more efficient, reducing CO2 emissions and costing you less to run than a house that has not been recently built. For more information on the energy efficiencies of new homes, check out our article.
High specification as standard – your new kitchen, bathroom and finishes will all be completed to an exceptionally high level, as standard. You’ll be invited to personalise your new home and choose from a wide range of kitchens, bathrooms, tiling and floors. You can even upgrade certain options to create a luxury bespoke finish that is personal to you and your family.
Locally responsible – Genesis Homes employ local contractors to work on our new build developments. We believe that providing opportunities for local businesses and suppliers is what sets us apart from our competitors and ensures that the localities in which we operate benefit from our presence.
Read more about buying a brand new house with Genesis Homes and check out our latest developments to find new build homes in the north west that are perfect for you. Now that we have shown you how to buy a new house, let us find one for you!