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How buying off-plan could allow you to personalise your home

Aug 30, 2023
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Buying a home is always a big decision, so you’ll want to make sure that you’re choosing one that meets your needs for years to come. One way to achieve a home that’s right for you is to have more input into the design, materials and styling of your home – and buying off-plan could be a surprising way of achieving this.

In this article, we’ll explain what ‘buying off-plan’ is and explore why it can come with a number of advantages.

Key Takeaways

1. Definition of Off-Plan:
An off-plan home is one that hasn’t yet been finished.
You buy it based on professional plans, such as blueprints, floorplans, or CGIs.
 
2. Personalisation Opportunities:
Depending on the build stage, you can choose design aspects:
  • Kitchen fixtures and fittings.
  • Bathroom tiles.

Tailor your home to your taste and preferences.

 
3. Financial Benefits:
Early bird discounts may be available.
Potential for increased property value during construction.
 
4. Simplified Process:
No surveys required.
No onward chain.
New-build homes come with warranties.
 
5. Delayed Move-In Date:
Ideal for buyers who need time to organize finances.
Gives you more time to plan your move.
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What does ‘buying off-plan’ mean?

An off-plan home is one that hasn’t yet been finished.

Often, you are buying it based off professional plans, hence the term. These plans may be in the form of blueprints, floorplans, CGIs or working drawings. There may also be a show home available to give you a closer idea of what your finished home will look like. Depending on the stage your off-plan home is at when you purchase, you could have a valuable opportunity to personalise certain aspects of the homebuild.

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The benefits of buying off-plan

People don’t realise that there are many advantages to buying an off-plan home, from potential financial benefits, through to the opportunity to personalise things to your taste.

While buying off-plan won’t be suitable if you need to move in immediately, for those in a position to wait, it can be a great choice.

Here are some key advantages:

Chance of early bird discount

 
Buying off-plan can be smart financially as you could benefit from an early bird discount 1. And even if they’re firm on the house price, they may be willing to negotiate when it comes to the price of your chosen fixtures and fittings.

A further advantage to buying off-plan is if property prices increase while your new home is being built, you may end up with a home worth more than you paid for it by the time moving day comes around. Furthermore, when the development is finished its appeal is likely to be greater – possibly increasing prices further.

An easier buying process

 
Buying an off-plan home can be a lot less complicated than buying a ‘second-hand’ home. No surveys are required, there’s no onward chain and new-build homes also come with the reassurance of warranties – like our NHBC warranty and insurance policy, known as Buildmark, which includes a 2 year builder warranty period, followed by an 8 year insurance cover. A new development is also likely to have staff on-site and key contacts you can ask about progress and any issues.

The appeal of a delayed move-in date

 
The addition of a delayed move-in date while the construction is finished can make buying off-plan particularly attractive to buyers who need time to organise their finances but are not tied to an urgent deadline. Knowing you have a home lined up but still have a few extra months to save can be a big plus for those buying off-plan. It also gives you more time to plan your move. For tips on moving house stress free, click here.

Opportunity to choose your plot

 
When it comes to picking your plot, the earlier the better. Getting in early means you could be in a position to choose exactly where your home will sit. Homes with south-facing sunny gardens and wonderful views are often among the first to be claimed, so keep this in mind if these are also priorities for you 2.

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Get involved in the design

 
When you’re buying off-plan, you’ll often have the opportunity to select your own fixtures, finishings, and colour schemes – you may even be able to choose your appliances too 3.

When you buy off-plan with David Wilson, we’ll work with you to ensure you have the fixtures, fittings and finishes that suit your style – so when you move in, you don’t need to worry about painting or updating things to your taste. Here is some more information on the service we offer:

Flooring

You can add flooring to your home that works on both a practical and style level, opting for something that suits your lifestyle and design taste. You can choose from a wide range of options including gloss ceramic tiles, luxurious carpet or durable vinyl – we have plenty to choose from.

Kitchens

Our thoughtfully designed open-plan kitchens are the perfect setting for you to enjoy indoor-outdoor living. From sleek and modern cabinets to more traditional shaker styles, the choice is yours.

Storage

When it comes to storage, we offer fully customised wardrobes that suit your taste and maximise your space. And with options ranging from traditional woodgrain to sleek gloss finish, your new cabinets will also match your style and make your new home undeniably your own.

Bathrooms

Choose from a wide range of wall tiles to make your bathroom or en-suite just how you want it. From a clean white look or an industrial grey finish, we’ll help you find the right colours and fixtures.

 

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Have you considered buying off-plan? In the right circumstances it can be a practical and cost-effective way for you to get the home you really want.

Why not explore our new developments and ask about the off-plan opportunities we have near you?


 

Sources:

1. https://justmovein.com/blog/moving-home/is-buying-off-plan-a-good-plan?#:~:text=The%20advantages%20of%20buying%20off%2Dplan

2. https://www.zoopla.co.uk/discover/featured-homes/new-year-new-home/#can-you-customise-a-new-construction-home:~:text=Can%20you%20customise%20a%20new%20construction%20home%3F

3. https://www.pettyson.co.uk/about-us/our-blog/802-buying-property-off-plan