Yorkshire lawyer Ison Harrison opens in Wakefield
With a number of exciting and ambitious property developments well under way across the Wakefield area, there is a huge upsurge in interest in new-build properties, and Ison Harrison are the preferred solicitors for several current and scheduled plots.
In the last three years our property conveyancing team has dealt with 34,000 instructions across the new-build and older property spectrum, and an increasing percentage of those have centred on new-build developments in Wakefield.
With our new Ison Harrison branch now open in Wakefield, our team of expert property solicitors can offer essential advice to potential new-build property purchasers with plenty of new development opportunities out there.
Key Considerations for New Build Properties
New-build properties offer a number of attractions and benefits, particularly to young people and first-time buyers. There are no repair and decoration costs involved and as the first people to own the property you can move in with a blank canvas to put your own stamp on your new home.
Most developers also allow you to tailor the home with décor and fixtures and fittings to your own taste. A new-build will come with guarantees and warranties to protect you and they will also come with the latest technology. This can make security and home entertainment cutting edge, but can also bring lower running costs and allow you to manage utilities much better.
The fact that new-build properties come with no property chain attached is a big attraction to many people, but because you are buying a new-build from a builder or property developer, this means the deadlines for completion and exchange may be tighter.
You are likely to pay a premium for a new-build property, but the benefits do make that worthwhile. You may be able to negotiate ‘extras’ such as car parking, fixtures and fittings and some developers pay your stamp duty, for example. But you can add value to a new-build just like any other house. Just because it is brand new don’t let that stop you thinking about expanding your family and investing in the property further, through adding more space with a conservatory, loft conversion or decking in the garden. However, any changes would be subject to compliance of building regulations such as restrictive covenants.
With so many national housebuilders currently active on plots in Wakefield and keen interest being generated in new-build properties in the area, we think it’s important that potential buyers fully explore the new-build property market to look at the various options available to them.
New-build properties bring community value to Wakefield
In addition to the construction of different phases of property, many of the new-build developments in the area are also delivering community facilities to Wakefield. Impressive mixed-use schemes will bring retail, healthcare, green space and solid community infrastructure, and these developments start to convince potential homeowners that they will add genuine community value where it is needed. With a real energy starting to build behind Wakefield’s new-build sector many people are discovering now is the time to invest.
Seek expert advice before you buy a new build
At Ison Harrison, we are specialist property solicitors in Yorkshire and we help clients with both residential conveyancing and new-build conveyancing. We are one of the only Yorkshire law firms to benefit from a specialist new-build property department.
Our new Wakefield branch is now open on Cross Street and we have a team of property experts based there, including branch manager Faye Chadwick, who is a conveyancing solicitor and expert in new-build property law. We also offer other everyday legal services such as residential property law, family law and wills and probate.
Given our extensive expertise within property law, we know that purchasing a new-build property can be very different to buying an older property.
Top tips
With the new-build boom currently ongoing in Wakefield, here are our top tips:
- Ask to see the full plot spec and not just the show home as this confirms exactly what your warranty will cover. Most developments have a variety of house types and it is worth travelling to another site with the appropriate completed house, as a show home to be able to fully see what you are intending to purchase.
- Do engage with the aftercare team as most developers will be happy to come back and deal with snagging issues. Most will offer an inspection prior to completion together with a timetable of any further anticipated works and snagging.
- If you’re considering moving forward with a new-build property purchase in Wakefield, be sure to seek legal advice to help ensure a smooth process from the outset. Timescales can be tight when purchasing a New Build property but a Solicitor who is willing to liaise with a builder and keep them up-to-date on progress can make all the difference in terms of progressing quickly.
Ison Harrison solicitors are leading property experts with a new branch now open in Wakefield.
Visit us at 4-6 Cross Street, Wakefield, WF1 3BW or call 01924 942230 to speak to a member of our team.