Frequently asked questions for buying a new home

Thakeham

At Thakeham, the team do their very best to make your experience as smooth and informative as possible, from the beginning of your search for a new home, to purchase and through to move in day. Here have tried to answer as many of your queries as possible; take a look at some of the frequently asked questions below.

If you can’t find what you are looking for here, then please do get in touch and we will be more than happy to help you.

Money and Legals

Do you offer Part Exchange?

On our current developments we do not offer a Part Exchange Scheme. However, we can recommend expert local estate agents who will help to value your home, so you can ascertain its current value and make plans for future finance towards your next purchase. Just ask the on-site Sales Team for assistance.

Need some mortgage advice?

Thakeham work alongside excellent mortgage advisories, which can offer you impartial and independent advice on mortgage products that are available in the financial markets. The on-site Sales Teams can put you in touch, should you so wish.

How do I know I can afford to buy?

You will need to seek financial advice from either a registered Financial Advisor, Broker or book an appointment with a Bank or Building Society to check your borrowing potential. Thakeham can recommend companies which can offer you help and advice when choosing the right finance arrangement for you. They offer impartial advice and are completely independent from Thakeham, but our sales team can put you in touch.

What is Stamp Duty?

Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) is a Government tax which must be paid by everyone that buys a property over the current threshold for residential properties of £125,000.

A useful table can be found here.

This table can calculate what you would be liable to pay when you purchase a new Thakeham Home.

The Buying Process

How much is the reservation fee?

Once you have agreed the purchase price on your new Thakeham Home, you will need to pay a reservation fee. The reservation fee does differ for each development, so please check with the Sales Team ahead of your reservation appointment. Typically the reservation fee is £2,000 for a home under £500,000 and £5,000 for homes over £500,000. If you are using the Government’s Help to Buy Scheme the reservation fee is set at £500.

How long does it take to buy a new house?

It is difficult to give a definite timescale on how long it will take to purchase a new home, as there are many factors to be taken into consideration. It will also depend on what stage of build your home is at, when you reserve.

Once you have reserved and the paperwork is completed, the legal contracts will be sent to your legal representative for review. Once these have been received, a deadline to exchange contacts is set for 28 days later. On exchange, the completion date will be agreed in line with the build programme.

For further advice on timings for your own property, do speak with our Sales Team who will be able to give you advice for your individual home.

Is my reservation deposit refundable if something happens?

At Thakeham we adhere to the Consumer Code for Homebuilders, you can read all about the code here.

In accordance with the Consumer Code for Housebuilders, Thakeham reserves the right to deduct reasonable costs and expenses from the reservation deposit in the event of your reservation being cancelled – either by yourself or Thakeham.

As a guide 0% will be deducted prior to issue of the legal contracts, 25% after the issue of legal contracts and 50% if over 14 days from date of reservation.

Can visit my new house whilst it is being built?

Where possible, we will arrange site visits so you can view your house whilst it is being built. These visits will be determined on how safe it will be for you to visit. All visits will be accompanied by our Sales Team and in some cases the Site Team, and at all times Personal Protective Equipment/Clothing must be worn. For your own safety and that of your family, we do not allow children of any age on our developments.

How will I know if my home will be ready for me to move into on time?

The Sales Team will keep you advised throughout the reservation process and beyond, leading up to your move in day. They will provide regular updates throughout the building of your new home, from which a move in day can be agreed.

After I Move In

How long do Thakeham look after my home?

Thakeham are committed to you as our customer throughout the entire reservation and moving in process. It is our commitment to you as a valued customer that we provide you with a service beyond this time by offering a two year Customer Service Warranty. You will be appointed a dedicated Customer Care Manager, who will be your first point of contact, should you experience any problems with your new home.

Your new home is also covered by a 10 year warranty issued by the National Homebuilders Federation Council (NHBC).

Who do I get in touch with if something goes wrong with my new house?

You can call your dedicated Customer Care Manager, who is available during office hours and is on hand to assist you with any problems you may experience. We also offer an out of hours emergency service which is detailed in your Homebuyers Guide.

How do I look after my new Thakeham Home?

On Move In Day, you will be issued with a bespoke Homebuyers Guide which details all aspects of running your new home. There is useful information to help you ‘run-in’ your new home or, alternatively, your dedicated Customer Service Manager can assist with any queries you may have.

Contact

How do I get in touch with the development of my choice?

Visit the website and navigate to the development of your choice via the New Homes tab. Contact details can be found at the top left of the development page. Alternatively, scroll to the bottom of the screen and complete the online enquiry form and one of the Sales Team will be in touch within 24 hours.

Where is your Head Office?

Thakeham House is located at the below address;

Thakeham House
Summers Place
Stane Street
Billingshurst
West Sussex
RH14 9GN

Sat Nav RH14 9AD

Tel: 01403 787300 during office hours

What is your Customer Service telephone number?

You can refer to your Homebuyers’ Guide for your dedicated Customer Service Manager, or visit www.thakeham.com/why-buy-thakeham/customer-care to complete an enquiry form, or call direct on 01403 787333.

How do I get in touch if I have a complaint?

If you have something to discuss with us then please contact the relevant Head of Department by calling 01403 787300.

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