Questions to ask when buying a new build

There’s something special about walking into a brand new home for the first time. Fresh paint, spotless surfaces, everything in its place, and the sense that you could walk straight in and start your next chapter.

But while a new build home can come with plenty of benefits - like modern layouts, energy efficiency, less immediate maintenance - it’s still important to look past the show-home glow. The truth is, it’s the questions you ask on a viewing that help you understand what life there will actually be like - and whether the home is right for you.

In this section:

• What are you actually getting?
• What do you need to know about warranties and snagging?
• What will it cost to run?
• Are there service charges or management fees?
• What about parking and storage?
• What’s happening next on the development?
• How does the buying process work?
• Moving into a new build checklist

First things first: what are you actually getting?

It’s easy to assume that what you see is what you’ll get, especially when everything looks finished and carefully styled. But with new build homes, the exact specification can vary from plot to plot, and show homes often include upgrades.

So, one of the smartest places to start is by asking what’s included as standard.

A good question is simply: “Can you talk me through what comes with this home?” Then dig into the details.

You’ll want to clarify things like whether:

• Kitchen appliances are included (and which ones)
• Flooring is fitted throughout or only in certain rooms
• Light fittings are included or if you’ll need to add your own
• Bathrooms come with accessories such as mirrors and towel rails
  

It’s also worth checking what’s included outside. New builds sometimes come with gardens finished to different levels depending on the plot, so you might ask whether the garden will be turfed, if fencing is installed on all sides, and if features like an outdoor tap are included.
It can feel like small stuff - but these are the details that change what “move-in ready” actually means.

What do you need to know about warranties and snagging?

What will it cost to run?

A major selling point for many new build homes is energy efficiency. Newer insulation standards, modern heating systems and double glazing can all help keep running costs lower than in older properties. But it’s still worth asking questions that get you real, practical information.

A great question to ask is:

“Can you tell me about the energy efficiency of this home?”

You can also ask for the home’s EPC rating and what type of heating system it uses - for example, a gas boiler, electric heating, or another system. If smart controls or thermostats are included, that’s useful to know too, because it can make a real difference to day-to-day living.

While it might not be glamorous, it’s also very important to ask about council tax. It’s one of those costs that’s easy to forget when you’re focused on deposits and mortgages.

Are there service charges or management fees?

This is a big one - and it’s often misunderstood.

Many buyers expect service charges only apply to flats, but some new build developments have them for houses too. This is usually because communal areas need managing, such as landscaped spaces, play areas, private roads, bin stores or parking courts.

So, if you’re thinking about questions to ask when buying a new build, this should be near the top of your list.

Ask directly:

• Are there any service charges, and how much are they?
• What exactly do they cover?
• How often can they be increased, and why?
• Who manages the communal areas?

You’re not trying to catch anyone out - you’re just ensuring you understand the full picture. That way, you can budget properly and avoid surprises later.

What about parking and storage?

Parking can vary a lot on new build sites. Some homes come with allocated spaces, others have shared parking areas, and some have garages or driveways.

It’s worth asking:

• Where will you park day to day?
• Is parking allocated, and are there visitor spaces?
• Can you install an EV charger if you want one?

If you have a larger vehicle - like a van or bigger family car - or regularly host friends and family, ask the practical questions now rather than finding out later that things are tight.

Storage is another overlooked factor. New builds often use space efficiently, but that can mean fewer “dumping zones” for things like hoovers, coats, prams, sports equipment and seasonal items. It’s fine, as long as it suits how you live.

Find your new home

What’s happening next on the development?

When you buy a new build, you’re buying into a place that’s evolving. It might be a fully established neighbourhood - or you might be moving into one of the first phases.

Neither is a deal breaker, but it’s worth understanding what’s coming.

Ask:

• Is the development still being built?
• Where will future phases be?
• How long will building works continue?

If you’re working from home, have young children, or just value a quieter environment, these answers matter. Knowing what to expect helps you plan - and it gives you a clearer picture of what your first year in the home might look like.

How does the buying process work?

Finally, don’t be afraid to ask about the process itself. New build buying often moves quickly, especially around reservation deadlines and completion.

You’ll want to ask:

• What the reservation fee is and what it covers
• What the key milestones are (mortgage, solicitor, exchange)
• How long completion is likely to take

It’s also a good idea to ask: “What could delay completion, and how much notice will you get?”

That one question can save a lot of stress - especially if you’re trying to plan moving dates, childcare, work leave or the end of a tenancy.

Moving into a new build checklist

Once the keys are in your hand, it’s tempting to get stuck straight into unpacking, but giving yourself a little structure can make the first few days much smoother.

Here’s a simple moving into a new build checklist to guide you:

In the first couple of days, take meter readings, locate the stopcock and fuse box, and test alarms. Then keep an eye out for any snags - even small ones - and log them through the correct process.

Over the first week or two, focus on the practical admin like council tax, broadband, and post redirects if needed. It’s also a smart idea to keep paperwork safe: think warranties, manuals, and any certificates provided.

Don’t forget, new homes take time to “settle”. It’s normal for some small changes to appear (like minor cracks as materials dry out). If you’re ever unsure, it’s always worth asking for guidance.

Final thoughts