Buying New
Buying new is a little different - in a good way.
Buying a brand-new home can feel a little different to buying a second-hand property. There might be a few unfamiliar stages, different timings and, if your home is still being built, the excitement of watching it all come together. But different doesn’t mean daunting.
The buying process is largely the same – you’ll still arrange your finances, appoint a solicitor, exchange contracts and, of course, get the keys. The difference is that buying new comes with plenty of benefits too. There’s no onward chain to wait for, your home is built for modern living and, with warranties and our team there to support you, there’s reassurance built in from the start.
Buying New
From finding the one to getting the keys
Buying a new home is a big moment. There are decisions to make, paperwork to sort and probably a few questions along the way.
That’s where we come in. From your first visit to moving day, your Owl Homes Sales Advisor will be there to guide you through the process, keep things moving and make sure you know what’s happening next.
Here’s what to expect.
Get your finances in place
Before reserving, it’s important to understand your budget and how you’ll be funding your move.
If you’re buying with a mortgage, you’ll need an Agreement in Principle from a lender . You’ll also need to think about your deposit and the other costs involved in buying a home.
Find your new home
It all starts with finding somewhere that feels right.
Explore our developments and available homes online, then come and see us. Our Sales Advisors can talk you through the development, the homes available and the different ways you could buy.
There’s no pressure and no hard sell. Take your time, ask as many questions as you like and find the home that works for you.
Reserve your home
Found the one?
When you’re ready to go ahead, you can reserve your chosen Owl home.
We’ll take you through the reservation paperwork, explain the key dates and make sure you understand what happens from here.
This is also when things start to feel very real. Your new home is officially yours to look forward to.
Instruct your solicitor and mortgage lender
Once you’ve reserved, you’ll need to formally instruct a solicitor to handle the legal side of your purchase and if you need a mortgage, you’ll also submit your full mortgage application.
There will be information to provide and paperwork to complete, but we’ll keep in touch with everyone involved to help keep everything progressing.
Make it feel like yours
Depending on the build stage of your home, you may have the opportunity to choose from a selection of finishes and options.
It’s one of the exciting parts – seeing the home you chose start to become your home.
Your Sales Advisor will explain what choices are available for your particular home and when they need to be made.
Exchange contracts
Once the legal work is complete, your mortgage is in place and everything is ready to proceed, you’ll exchange contracts.
Exchange is an important milestone. It means you and Owl Homes are legally committed to the purchase.
Your solicitor will guide you through the legal details, while we’ll keep you updated on your new home and what to expect as you get closer to moving in.
Watch your home come together
While we’re busy building and finishing your home, we’ll keep you updated on its progress.
As completion gets closer, we’ll talk you through the next steps and help you prepare for moving day.
We know waiting for a new home can feel like a long time when you’re excited to get the keys, so clear communication matters to us.
Get to know your new home
Before you move in, we’ll introduce you properly to your new Owl home with a Home Demonstration.
We’ll show you around, explain how things work and give you the information you need to settle in confidently.
It’s your opportunity to get familiar with the home before the boxes arrive.
Completion day
The day you’ve been waiting for.
Once the legal completion has taken place and everything is confirmed, it’s time to collect your keys and step through your own front door.
Welcome home.
We’re still here
Getting the keys isn’t where our relationship ends.
Your new home comes with warranties for added peace of mind, and our Customer Care team will be there to support you once you’ve moved in.
Because building your home is only part of our job. We want you to enjoy living in it, too.
Buying New
Frequently Asked Questions
Is buying a new build different to buying a second-hand home?
A little, but much of the process is the same. You’ll still need to arrange your finances, appoint a solicitor, exchange contracts and complete your purchase.
The main differences come from reserving your home directly with us and, if it’s still being built, working towards an anticipated completion date rather than agreeing a moving date straight away. We’ll explain each stage and keep you updated along the way.
What does it mean to reserve a new build home?
Once you’ve found the Owl home you want, reserving takes it off the market for an agreed period while you get everything in place to proceed with your purchase.
We’ll talk you through the reservation details, including any reservation fee, important dates and what you’ll need to do next before you commit.
Do I need a mortgage before I reserve?
If you’re buying with a mortgage, you’ll usually need an Agreement in Principle before reserving. This gives an indication of how much you may be able to borrow, although it isn’t the same as a formal mortgage offer.
Once you’ve reserved, you can then progress your full mortgage application.
Why do new build homes have an exchange deadline?
Unlike buying a second-hand home, when you reserve a new build you’ll normally be working towards an agreed timeframe for exchanging contracts.
This helps keep your purchase – and the wider development – moving. Your Sales Advisor will explain the timescales before you reserve and will keep in touch with you and the other parties involved as your purchase progresses.
Can I buy a new home before it has been built?
Yes. Depending on the stage of the development, you may reserve your home while it’s still under construction.
You’ll be able to explore the plans, specification and information available for your chosen home, and our team will help you understand what to expect. Then comes one of the best bits – watching your new home take shape.
Will I know exactly when my new home will be ready?
If your home is still being built, we’ll give you an anticipated timeframe for completion and keep you updated as construction progresses.
Building a home involves lots of different stages, so timings can sometimes change. We’ll keep you informed and give you more certainty around your moving date as your home gets closer to completion.
What happens if I have a house to sell?
Having a home to sell doesn’t necessarily stop you from buying new. The right route will depend on your circumstances, how far along you are with your sale and the home you’d like to buy.
Talk to our Sales Advisors and we can explain the options available and what would need to happen before you reserve.
Can I choose the finishes in my new home?
Possibly – and this is one of the lovely things about buying new. Depending on the home you choose and how far construction has progressed, there may be opportunities to select certain finishes or personalise your home from the choices available.
Your Sales Advisor will let you know what’s possible for your particular home.
What is included with my new home?
Every Owl home comes with a carefully considered specification designed for modern life. Exactly what’s included can vary between developments and homes, so we’ll make everything clear before you reserve.
You can find the specification on the relevant development and home pages, or ask our Sales Advisor to talk you through it.
Do I need a solicitor who specialises in new builds?
You’re free to choose your own solicitor, but buying a new build can involve some different legal considerations and timescales, so it can be helpful to appoint someone with experience of new build purchases.
What is snagging?
Snagging is the process of identifying minor items that may need attention in a newly built home.
We carry out our own quality checks as your home progresses and before handover. We’ll also explain what to do if you notice something that needs our attention once you’ve moved in.
Will my new home come with a warranty?
Yes. Your Owl home comes with warranty protection for added peace of mind.
We’ll explain the cover that applies to your particular home, alongside the support you’ll receive from our Customer Care team after you move in.
Buying New
A helping hand from start to finish
There can be a lot happening behind the scenes when you buy a home – solicitors, mortgage lenders, paperwork, dates and decisions.
We’ll help take some of that weight off your shoulders.
Your Owl Homes team will keep in touch, talk to the relevant parties and help you understand where you are in the process and what needs to happen next.
You concentrate on the exciting bit. We’ll help with the rest.
