Buying off-plan could deliver the home of your dreams
expensive – surprises. Add to that the ability to create an interior tailor made to suit your lifestyle, colour palette and equipment specification and you’ve got a recipe for success.
Even affluent and successful buyers and sellers rarely have the means, ability, time or sometimes the inclination to find the perfect plot, commission a fully bespoke modern mansion and cope with the inevitable cost and overrun building frustrations on their own. We’ve all seen Grand Designs.
Buying off-plan brings the opportunity to have a custommade designer interior within reach of those without the deep pockets of millionaires.
The right developer and agent can offer exclusive architecture and a tailor-made interior which is simply missing from an offthe-shelf new build – however prestigious.
From state-of-the-art design properties to exclusive and secure small-scale enclaves, buying off-plan can give you access to exciting modern architecture at one with the environment.
Whether you would prefer a wet room or steam room instead of an en-suite bathroom; an underground swimming pool instead of a garage; Miele or Gaggenau appliances in your kitchen – get in early and the choice is yours, along with the opportunity to put your personal stamp on your new home.
Would you like crystal chandeliers or invisible mood lighting? Marble or granite flooring for your hallway? An individually designed furniture package or a built-in panic room? All this and more can be yours. You can even choose how you would like to landscape the gardens.
High-end developers are creating exciting homes at some of the most desirable locations throughout Yorkshire and we’re certainly seeing more instances of customers buying off-plan at developments throughout the region. Some recent examples include:
Four exclusive homes with large gardens and stunning views are being built in the heart of Linton village, The Acres is set in a private position and the site extends to more than 2½ acres
Orchid Wood is a development of two stunningly designed properties nestled in the historic conservation area of Cragg Wood, Rawdon. The site has a rich history and some of the most beautiful orchids from around the world were grown there. The new split-level properties take advantage of the site’s topography to blend into the landscape
Delamere Gardens, Fixby, Huddersfield is an enclave of 13 individually designed homes. Layouts are tailored to modern family lifestyles and with individual interior design features. One house which is just been completed has been designed around the buyer’s personal requirements. Customisation for another buyer included adding a home cinema and a second-floor balcony, while bespoke furniture is a popular option.
It is important to do your homework when buying off-plan. Your estate agent can provide all of the relevant off-plan marketing material and you should always visit the actual development plot to check out where key features such as roads are in relation to your property’s location, as well as your views and outlook. If you aren’t familiar with the developer, speak with your agent, ask to inspect homes they have built previously before committing yourself.
Tony Wright is a partner and head of residential at Carter Jonas, Harrogate, www. carterjonas.co.uk