The Home Buying Process with Anwyl

Here’s what to expect from your home buying journey with Anwyl.

A couple is seated, discussing details with a smiling Anwyl Homes representative in a modern setting, likely related to a new build home. A tray of samples sits on the table.

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step of the way

At Anwyl, we’re here to guide you through the whole new build buying process, from that very first mouse click to picking up the keys at the end of the line. If you’re here to learn about your own purchase, it’s time to start the countdown: you’ll be stepping over the threshold in a matter of months. 

Step 1

Choosing your brand new home

The most important part of buying a new build home is to choose the right property. If you’re retiring empty nesters, a 5-bedroom family home might be a bit too big – and if you’re a growing family, a 2-bedroom terrace might not be enough for long!  

Just like browsing the dealership for your next car, choosing your new home can (and should) be exciting! You’re making the life changing decision to choose a brand new house: a blank slate you can shape to perfectly suit your tastes, with no previous ownership to erase first.  

You can choose the perfect house for you, whether you’re upsizing, downsizing, or moving because of work. That’s why we offer a wide range of properties for every circumstance, from fast commuting routes to refreshing seaside surroundings.  

Chat to a Homes Adviser
Step 2

Reserving a new build home 

In the pre-reservation stage, you’ll get a full rundown of what your home will look like and where it will be. If you’ve been worried about the final product not matching the show home to a T, this is the point at which we’ll ease your mind.  

If you’re happy with the placement and style of your home, you can complete your reservation form and pay the £500 reservation fee to secure the property*. This will stop competing homebuyers from swooping in and snapping up your dream home before you have the chance.  

You can reserve our new builds for six weeks. During this time, the price of your property will be frozen, meaning your purchase won’t be subject to market fluctuations, and we won’t advertise the home to anyone else. You would typically exchange contracts within this reservation period. 

If you’re buying a new build with a house to sell, the easiest way to get your sale squared away is by using our Part Exchange Scheme. We’ll buy your old home from you, allowing you to secure a mortgage and put down your reservation fee with nothing holding you back.  

*Paying the reservation fee is a declaration of intent to purchase. We cannot accept your fee unless you’re able to go ahead with the full process. That means you must have sold your previous home—unless you’re not dependent on that sale, for example, if you’re a cash buyer or able to secure a second mortgage.  

Step 3

Applying for a mortgage 

If you can’t afford your house outright, you’ll need to apply for a mortgage. This is arguably the biggest financial commitment you’ll ever make, and it’s important to make sure that your calculations are accurate.  

That’s why we recommend the services of an Independent Financial Advisor, or an IFA. They’ll sit down with you and discuss your current circumstances, including your individual and household incomes, your current spending and your long-term goals.  

The job of an IFA includes advising you on how to buy your new build home with the best mortgage rate. Your adviser will be informed about current market statistics, average mortgage lengths and the pros and cons of each type of plan.  

Having trouble finding your own IFA? We have a wealth of recommendations stored away – contact one of our Homes Advisers and we’ll put you in touch with financial advice you can trust. 

Step 4

Appointing a property solicitor 

Buying a house involves large amounts of money, documentation and administrative checks. For that side of things, you’ll need a solicitor who will deal with the legal formalities of the property purchase, allowing you to focus on preparing to move. 

Your solicitor will contact our legal team to arrange the contracts and complete any outstanding paperwork on your behalf. This involves carrying out local authority and land registry checks, as well as organising a property survey to give you peace of mind.  

Once your home is finished, it’ll be officially inspected by a National House Building Council (NHBC) inspector, who will then issue the property with a Build Mark Cover Note. This allows your solicitor to check that everything is up to scratch and ready for warranty and insurance provision. 

Our Homes Advisers can get you in contact with one of our endorsed solicitors, easing your mind about finding the correct match. 

Chat to a Homes Adviser
Step 5

Meeting the builder 

So, you’ve chosen a development and your home, now it’s time to meet the builder. Your Site Manager will be happy to sit down with you, have a cuppa, and answer any questions you may have about your home and its surroundings.  

Ask about the shape of the garden, how the sprinklers work, where the boiler will be and whether your French doors will be south facing; this is a chance for you to get a feel for your new place!  

It can help to write a list of questions you have before the meeting, but if you’ve missed anything, you can contact your Home Adviser at any time throughout the house buying process.  

Explore our developments
Step 6

Personalising your home 

As we build your home, you’ll usually have the option to customise the interior. Everything from your kitchen units to your bathroom fittings can be adjusted, and we’re happy to match your tastes in colour and style.  

When it comes to personalisation, we’ll cater to both your budget and your requirements. Whether you’re a first-time buyer caught up in the excitement of a home or you’ve owned three houses before this one, we’ll help you to make budget-friendly changes in a pressure-free environment.  

Our Anwyl sales lounges are the perfect place to see and choose your units in person. Join us to browse kitchen and bathroom customisations and take the reins when it comes to designing your new home.  

Step 7

Exchanging contracts 

The exchange of contracts is a big deal; it’s when you sit down with the legal team, sign the paperwork and walk away a future homeowner. It’s also when you pay the deposit on a new build and set your purchase in stone.  

‘Exchanging contracts’ refers to signing legal documents announcing that both you and the seller are happy to go ahead with the sale. It serves as both purchase assurance and an obligation; you can no longer back out of the sale after this step.  

Once the exchange is done, you’ll pay the deposit (normally 10%) to Anwyl and be given an estimated completion date.  

Step 8

Home Demonstration

If you enjoyed your show home viewing, you’ll love this part: a private viewing between you and your brand new home. This is your chance to step inside the real deal for the very first time.  

We’ll arrange your visit after your home has received its NHBC certificate and is safe to enter after the exchange of contracts, and you’ll have a helpful one-on-one with your Site Manager to ask any final questions you have. They’ll show you how to make the most out of your living space and give you advice on how to care for your home properly.  

If you’re itching to ask those questions before your viewing, you can find some answers on our Home Demonstrations page. Browse our helpful video guides about your house amenities to learn as much as you can about your new home.

Step 9

Moving in to your home 

The time has come to move into your new build, which means it’s also time to get packing. Moving onto one of our developments is almost the same as moving into another house, with the added benefit of no chain deadlines. Take your time, set your goals and move at your own pace.  

Once you’re here, you’ll be free to unload the van and start personalising your shiny new living space. Let the kids pick a bedroom, find the perfect spot for the TV, get your fridge stocked up and start your new life with Anwyl.  

Step 10

Supporting you before, throughout and after 

Just because you’ve moved in doesn’t mean we go away.  

Our dedicated Aftercare team is here to support you with any questions and concerns you may have. Whether you need help understanding the features of your new home or require assistance with the warranty, our team is on hand to help you with your queries.  

Chat to customer care 

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Hear from our homeowners

When the last box is unpacked, what do our homeowners have to say about their Anwyl journey?