FAQ

Everyone’s home is different, and no two purchases are identical. However there are some questions that keep coming up in relation to buying a new home. Here are some of them:

1.Will I pay stamp duty on my new home?
There is good news here for first time buyers and owner occupiers (as opposed to people who are buying to rent) depending on the size of the property you are buying. If the property is under 125 square metres and you're a first-time-buyer or owner occupier (i.e. you plan on living there) NO DUTY is payable.

2.Are there any benefits to buying a timberframe house?
A timberframe house has many advantages over conventional construction methods, including the following:

1. 25% reduction in fuel costs
2. The speed of Construction is a lot quicker than traditional brick built homes
3. All timber frame houses built in Ireland are fully accepted by Homebond, the National House Builders Guarantee Scheme.

3.If I do not want the standard kitchen/tiling/fireplace in my new home – can I take the allowance?
Yes, you will be given an allowance sheet which will show how much the kitchen/tiling/fireplace is worth. The developer’s solicitor will deduct this amount from the purchase price of your new home.

4.Will my garden be leveled and seeded front & rear?
This varies from development to development. Normally the developer will level and seed gardens, but please check with your agent.

5.Are there any management fees payable on my new apartment/townhouse?
When you purchase an apartment/duplex, there is always a management fee. This normally covers your designated parking space, the cost of your bins, building and public liability insurance, lighting and also the up keep of the communal areas of the development.

6.What colour will my new home be painted?
Normally developers will paint your home a standard magnolia, or ivory cream throughout. Each development varies so please check with your agent.

7.What are the advantages of natural gas heating in my new home?
For starters, you’ll never have to order fuel again and natural Gas is quite simply the cleanest most efficient fuel imaginable and can be the most cost-effective fuel you can choose.

8.How will I get room measurements for my new home?
Developers do not tend to give out individual room measurements. Show houses normally open Saturday and Sunday afternoons so at this stage you can bring along your measuring tape and measure from room to room yourself.

9.Can I get extras with the house?
If you are purchasing the property when it is in the early stages of construction it will usually be possible to request 'extras' from the builder. The most requested items would be extra plug sockets, T.V points or an outside tap. Compare your list of requirements with what is supplied in the showhouse 'as standard'. The selling agent will get you a price from the builder and generally it is necessary to pay up front. The earlier you request these changes the easier it will be to carry them out. Remember the majority of developers do not "do" extras so please ask your selling agent before your pay your deposit.

10.Will there be other houses built behind my new home?
When you purchase a new home, it is always advisable to check with the local authority on the development plans for the area. Just call into the local County Council where the information is readily available.

11.What are stage payments and will I have to pay them?
In various areas of the country many developers will ask for payment to be made after different stages of building ie: purchase of site, completion of roof etc. and you will have to draw down your mortgage to meet these payments.

12.What if I'm not happy with the specification that the builder is giving and want extra's in the house?
Builders will generally have a price list for all extra's ie: plug points, TV points or upgrading of material in the house and you can discuss this with the builders agent.