'Bright, shiny and sparkly new': What to know when buying a Canberra new build

New builds – they’re bright, shiny and sparkly new, but buying one can be more complex than an existing home.

Albert Stavaruk of Peter Blackshaw City & Inner North says patience is one of the requirements.

“There’s much more red tape if you’re beginning with a block and a design,” he says.

“It can take up to 12 months to get approval and the build can take just as long.”

Stavaruk recommends buyers research builders’ reputations.

“Check out previous homes they’ve built – and what’s being said in online forums. Talk with previous clients if you can,” he says.

He also recommends understanding average build times.

“Bigger, quality builders have ready access to tradies and that can make a big difference in a home being completed on time,” Stavaruk says.

Stuart Dovers of Dovers & Co specialises in new and off-the-plan properties.

“The best advice I can give to buyers is to listen to the advice of your conveyancer or solicitor,” he says.

“Your best interests are their top priority. A solicitor will have insight into any non-resolved complaints or out-of-court settlements which could reflect on a builder’s practices.”

Dovers also recommended buyers consider an independent property inspector.

“They can establish a defect register and ensure this is detailed in the contract for action before settlement,” he says.

“It provides the buyer with confidence that most of the issues will be sorted – and it doesn’t void the 90-day defect liability period.”

Solid foundations

Patience. It can be a long haul between the excitement of acquiring a block and getting the keys to a freshly built home. Two years is a reasonable rule of thumb.

Reputation. There’s a world of choice out there and careful research is part of the approach to a successful outcome. Make sure your builder is registered and check the quality of previous projects.

Counsel. A new home is one of the biggest investments you will ever make. Seek independent professional advice on contract detail and understand your rights and risks.

Allhomes’ top pick of new builds on the market

GRIFFITH

16 Wills Street

4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 car spaces

There is nothing quite like the feeling of owning a brand spanking new home, one that allows you to create your own sense of space and place.

That very welcome experience now awaits the purchasers of this master-crafted two-storey family residence in Wills Street, Griffith.

This strata-titled, four-bedroom, three-bathroom home offers 275 square metres of luxury living on an easy-care block of about 600 square metres.

The single-level living option will appeal to downsizers with plenty of room upstairs for visiting family and other guests. The configuration will equally appeal to the “executive family” with privacy for all.

The interior enjoys light and space created by huge glass panels and five-metre ceilings in the main living area, complemented by the warmth of custom shelving and cabinetry.

That flows seamlessly onto private, fully landscaped courtyards including a covered dining area complete with an outdoor kitchen. A second living area would make an ideal media room.

No new home is complete without an ultra-chic kitchen and this one boasts Miele appliances, a large butler’s pantry, an integrated refrigerator, timber-look cabinetry and stone benchtops.

The luxurious main bedroom features a large walk-in wardrobe plus a decadent en suite. Upstairs, is a breakout area with a built-in desk, a generous guest suite with en suite, two further large bedrooms and a luxe main bathroom.

Oh, and there’s a climate-controlled 1000-bottle wine cellar!

Auction: 2pm, October 12

Agent: Peter Blackshaw City & Inner North, Albert Stavaruk 0418 628 641