first home

Guide Residential

What to Look For When Viewing a New Build Home

By George Martin Limited,4 December 20244 December 2024

Buying a house is one of the most exciting journeys, especially if it’s your first home. New builds are a popular choice for first-time buyers, key workers, and families looking to climb the property ladder. These homes are fresh, modern, and energy-efficient, ticking many boxes right from the start. But what exactly should you look for when viewing a new build? Here’s a handy house viewing checklist to help you make the most of your property viewing.

Do Your Homework

Before you view a property, make sure you’re eligible for any schemes that might help with costs. Some developers offer incentives for key workers or first-time buyers. Check the eligibility criteria for schemes like Help to Buy or Shared Ownership before heading to the viewing.

Also, research the homes for sale in your chosen area and compare their prices. developers can guide you, but a little independent research never hurts.

What to Look For

When you arrive at the property, it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of imagining yourself living there. But remember, you’re here to check the details.

Water Pressure: Turn on taps and showers to ensure the water pressure is adequate. Low pressure can be frustrating and expensive to fix.
Hot Water: Ask how the water heating system works. Is it energy-efficient, and does it provide enough hot water for the whole family?
Broadband Speeds: With so much of our lives online, fast and reliable broadband is a must. Ask about the speeds in the area to avoid future headaches.
Storage Space: Does the house have enough storage? Open cupboards and wardrobes to see if they’ll fit your belongings. It’s surprising how quickly space fills up!
Energy Efficiency: Most new builds are designed with energy efficiency in mind, but double-check. Ask about insulation, windows, and the energy rating of the property.

Think About the Practicalities

New build homes are often set in fresh developments, which means the surrounding area is still evolving. When buying a house, consider how practical the location is for you.

Council Tax Band: Check the council tax band of the property, as this will affect your monthly outgoings.
Service Charge: Some new builds come with a service charge for communal areas. Find out how much it is and what it covers.
Bedroom Homes: Make sure the number of bedrooms suits your needs, whether it’s for a growing family or a home office.

Compare New Builds to Older Homes

When you view a new build, it’s worth comparing the pros and cons to older homes. New builds often require less maintenance and come with modern features like smart technology and better insulation. However, older homes might offer more space or character.

Consider what matters most to you. Are you willing to trade a little extra room for lower energy bills and modern convenience?

Bring Your Own Property Viewing Checklist

Having a personal property viewing checklist ensures you don’t miss anything. Here are some key points to include:

Check all doors and windows open and close properly.
Look for any signs of unfinished work or defects.
Test all appliances if they’re included in the sale.
Ask about the warranty for the property—it’s standard for new builds to come with a 10-year warranty.
Confirm the estimated completion date if the house isn’t fully built yet.

Plan for the Future

Buying a home is a long-term investment, so think ahead. Are there schools, parks, or transport links nearby? Does the area have a strong community feel?

If this is your first home, consider how easy it will be to sell in the future. New builds are often appealing to buyers, but you’ll want to make sure your home is part of a desirable area.

Ask Questions

We are there to help, so don’t be shy about asking questions. Whether it’s about the broadband speeds, service charge, or how to reserve the property, they’ll have the answers.

If anything feels unclear or rushed, take your time to think it over. It’s a big decision, and you deserve to feel confident about it.

A house viewing is your chance to get to know the property inside and out. By knowing what to look for—from water pressure to storage space—you’ll be better prepared to make the right decision.

New builds are fantastic options for first-time buyers and families alike, offering modern living spaces, energy efficiency, and a blank canvas to make your own. Use this guide as your go-to property viewing checklist, and you’ll be one step closer to finding your dream home.

Good luck with your house viewing! Whether you’re ready to buy a property or just exploring your options, taking the time to view carefully will always pay off. The perfect new build might just be waiting for you.

Guide Residential

How to Make Your New Build Home Feel Festive This Season

By George Martin Limited,28 November 202428 November 2024

The festive season is upon us, and it’s the perfect time to deck the halls of your shiny new build home! Whether you’re a first-time buyer settling into your space or simply looking for fresh ideas to elevate your festive spirit, we’ve got you covered. New build homes are fantastic for their energy-efficient designs and modern layouts, making them the ideal blank canvas for a cozy, magical Christmas. Here’s how you can transform your home into a winter wonderland.

Light Up Your New Build

Nothing says “Christmas” quite like the soft glow of Christmas lights. New build homes often have crisp, clean walls and modern designs, which make the perfect backdrop for twinkling fairy lights. Frame your windows or hang lights in your garden to create a welcoming vibe for guests arriving with their Christmas gifts.

The Perfect Tree

Your Christmas tree is the centerpiece of your festive decor. Choose a style that complements your modern interior—whether that’s a traditional Christmas tree adorned with red and gold baubles or something sleek and minimalist to fit your new build’s aesthetic. If you’re tight on space, a slimline tree can still make a big impact without overwhelming your living room.

Cozy Up Your Space

New build homes are known for their sleek finishes, but adding soft, festive textures can make your space feel extra inviting. Swap out your usual cushions and throws for chunky knits, faux fur, or festive reds and greens. A fluffy rug or festive table runner can bring warmth to open-plan living areas.

Unlike older homes, new builds often have excellent insulation and a great EPC rating, meaning you can enjoy all the cozy vibes without worrying too much about your energy bills.

Decorate Beyond the Tree

When it comes to Christmas decorations, think beyond the tree. Garlands draped over your staircase or mantelpiece can bring that festive feeling into every corner of your home. Add mini baubles or ribbons for a personal touch. New build homes often feature open-plan layouts, making it easy to sprinkle festive cheer throughout your space.

If you’re feeling crafty, why not make your own wreath? It’s a simple way to add a personal touch to your home, and it’ll look stunning on your front door when viewed from the street among other homes for sale.

Embrace Winter Solstice

The winter solstice is all about celebrating light in the darkest months of the year. Introduce warm candlelight or scented diffusers to your home for a cozy atmosphere. Choose festive scents like cinnamon, vanilla, or pine to bring that traditional Christmas spirit to life.

Budget Festive Tips

If you’re feeling the pinch after moving in or paying estate agent fees, don’t worry—you can still make your home feel festive on a budget. Shop for decorations in end-of-season sales, or get creative with DIY options like mason jars filled with fairy lights or handmade paper snowflakes.

New build home decorations can also double as festive features. For example, use stylish storage baskets as gift holders or opt for energy-saving LED lights to keep costs down.

Share the Festive Spirit

One of the best ways to enjoy your new build home this season is to invite friends and family over. Host a festive gathering with hot chocolate or mulled wine to show off your beautifully decorated space. The holidays are all about making memories, and your new home is the perfect setting for them.

New build homes for sale often highlight their potential, but it’s the small touches that truly make them feel like home. Grab your favorite blanket, turn on the Christmas lights, and let the festivities begin! 🎄

Guide Location Residential

Why Laindon, Essex Is a Great Place to Buy a New Apartment

By George Martin Limited,25 November 202425 November 2024

Are you searching for your perfect new home in South Essex? Whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking for a solid investment, Laindon is a fantastic choice. This urban district in the town of Basildon offers excellent transport links, great schools, and a prime location for future profit. Let’s explore why Laindon—and the stunning new apartments at Dunton Court—are worth considering.

A Perfect Location in South Essex

Laindon is perfectly situated in the Basildon borough, a thriving area in South East England. With Laindon Station just a short walk from Dunton Court, commuting to London is quick and easy. You can reach London Fenchurch Street in under 40 minutes, making it a great spot for professionals who want to escape the city after work.

The High Road and nearby St. Martins Square are home to local shops, cafes, and services, so you have everything you need close by. If you fancy a trip to the coast, Southend-on-Sea is only 30 minutes away by train or car, offering plenty of seaside fun for family days out.

Why Laindon Is Great for Families

If you’re buying a new home to raise a family, Laindon has lots to offer. The area is known for its great schools, with several rated “Good” or “Outstanding” by Ofsted. Whether your children are starting school or heading into their teenage years, they’ll be well-supported here.

The local plan for the area also focuses on improving social care and services, which makes Laindon even more family-friendly. New homes like the ones at Dunton Court are built with modern families in mind, offering energy-efficient living and reliable Wi-Fi to support busy households.

Investing in Your Future

Laindon isn’t just a great place to live—it’s also a smart choice for investment. The area is part of Basildon borough, which has been undergoing exciting redevelopment. New apartments are popping up as part of this growth, giving the area a fresh and modern vibe.

Because of its strong transport links, good schools, and attractive location, Laindon is a hotspot for potential buyers. This means if you decide to sell in the future, you could see a great return on your investment. With lower estate agent fees and high demand for modern homes, you’ll save money and have a better chance of making a profit than with older homes.

Why Choose a New Apartment at Dunton Court?

The apartments at Dunton Court in Laindon are designed to suit modern living. These stylish 2-bedroom homes are perfect for young professionals, couples, and small families. Buying a new home here means you’ll benefit from:

Energy efficiency: Save money on bills with eco-friendly heating and insulation.
Low maintenance: Unlike older homes, new builds don’t come with hidden repair costs.
Convenience: Built-in storage, modern kitchens, and sleek bathrooms make life easier.

Ready to Make Your Move?

Here are a few simple steps to keep in mind as you plan your home-buying journey:

If you’re looking for homes for sale in South Essex, the apartments at Dunton Court are an ideal choice. With a great location, excellent schools, and the potential for future profit, Laindon ticks all the right boxes.

Stop searching for older homes that need constant repairs. Instead, enjoy the benefits of buying a new home that’s built for the future.
Whether you’re planning to live here or invest, Dunton Court is ready to welcome you.

Why wait? Explore these amazing new apartments in Laindon today and take the first step toward your dream home.

Residential

What the Autumn Budget Means for First-Time Home Buyers in the UK

By George Martin Limited,31 October 202431 October 2024

Yesterday, the UK Parliament released the 2024 Autumn Budget. This budget is important for first-time home buyers. It includes updates that may change how easy or hard it is to buy your first home. If you’re planning to apply for a mortgage, make an offer, or exchange contracts soon, here’s how the budget changes could impact you.

What First-Time Buyers Need to Know

The Autumn Budget 2024, presented by the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR), included changes that aim to help people buying a home for the first time.

Some of these changes may lower your costs, while others could mean more expenses. Knowing what’s new can help you make the best decisions during your buying process.

Rising Fuel Duty and Its Impact on Home Buyers

This year’s budget includes a small rise in fuel duty, which might increase everyday costs like commuting and home energy bills. While fuel duty won’t directly affect your mortgage, it could make monthly expenses higher.

If you’re buying a home soon, it’s good to think about these extra costs when planning your budget.

Tax Changes and National Insurance Contributions

There are also new tax changes to consider. Small increases in national insurance contributions may mean a bit less in take-home pay.

Also, income tax will change in April 2025, which could impact your ability to save for a deposit or keep up with mortgage payments.

If you’re close to applying for a mortgage, try to look at your budget under these new tax rates.

Business Rates and Building Insurance

The budget has also raised business rates, which applies to shops and offices rather than homes. However, these rates can impact the area’s property values, so if businesses in your area are affected, house prices might shift over time. Building insurance, while not directly mentioned in the budget, is another essential cost for first-time buyers.

It’s wise to research building insurance policies early to keep this cost manageable.

Public Services, Mortgage Help, and Licensed Conveyancers

Extra funds are going to public services, which can make neighborhoods with strong services and amenities more attractive for buyers.

Improved infrastructure and public services can increase property values in the long run.

The government might also provide more support options for mortgage applications, giving first-time buyers extra resources to find the right mortgage. And as always, a licensed conveyancer can make the buying process easier by handling legal paperwork, guiding you through exchange dates, and helping you with completion dates.

Moving Forward as a First-Time Buyer

Here are a few simple steps to keep in mind as you plan your home-buying journey:

Review Your Budget: Make sure to include possible tax and insurance costs in your monthly budget.
Stay Updated on Mortgage Offers: Check for new mortgage options, as lenders may offer better deals based on the budget changes.

Consult with a Conveyancer: They can help with contracts, completion dates, and any legal questions.
Research Local Markets: Knowing local trends in property prices and business rates can help you decide where to buy.