Anyone who’s moved house before is well aware of how stressful the process can be. From finding and potentially renovating a property, to the logistics of the move and getting all your bills switched over to your new address.
This is where the concept of move-in-ready homes comes in. A big advantage of these types of homes is that a lot of the work has already been taken care of. So, rather than having a long list of repairs and renovations that need to be carried out, you can focus on settling straight into your new home.
In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at what a move-in-ready home is, why you should consider it, what happens before you get the keys and how Beal Homes helps make the process as straightforward as possible.
What Does ‘Move-in Ready’ Really Mean?
Well, a move-in ready home is exactly what it sounds like. It’s a property that’s ready to move into as soon as you get the keys. Unlike re-sale properties, a new-build move-in ready home doesn’t require you to wait on construction or undergo any major renovations. There are a few things that you should expect from a new build move-in ready home:
- All the Hard Work is Already Done: Everything is brand new, with fresh paint jobs, no stains on your carpets, no renovations or work needed. You can move right in and focus on unpacking and settling in.
- Working Utilities: Your utilities such as water, gas, electric, plumbing and heating systems will all be functional.
- Sound Structure: There will be no major works that need to be done, and the property’s structure will be sound, with no major rewiring or cracks in the walls.
- Clean Spaces: Floors will all be clean and mark-free, walls painted and properly decorated, and no rubbish lying around.
- No Construction Delays: Buying a move-in-ready home also comes with the added benefit of no delays to your move-in date due to necessary works being done.
- Integrated Appliances: You may also have the option to add other integrated appliances to your kitchen, such as a washing machine, tumble dryer or even a touch of luxury with a coffee machine.
- Peace of Mind: Move-in ready new build homes are backed by a 10-year warranty from the NHBC (National House Building Council) that covers any structural faults with your home; there is also a 2-year warranty that covers any builder faults.
What Makes a New Build Different from a Re-sale Home?
For many buyers, the choice between a new build home and resale property comes down to a lot more than simply finding the right house. The condition of the property, the work required before even moving in, its energy efficiency and the reassurances that come with buying new can all make a difference.
There are a few key differences between new-build move-in-ready homes and re-sale properties, ranging from energy efficiency and upkeep to the buying process and layouts. Learn about some of the key differences below:
| Feature | Re-sale Home | Move-In Ready New Build Home |
| Energy efficiency | Typically, lower energy efficiency and may require insulation upgrades or electrical rewiring. | Modern specifications such as full insulation, efficient boilers and heating systems, and double or even triple glazing can help lower energy costs. |
| Immediate upkeep | May need maintenance, redecoration and landscaping work before moving in, adding to upfront expenses. | Minimal or no immediate upkeep is usually needed, with structural and builder defects covered under warranty. |
| Style and character | Often has distinct character, including historic or unique features. | Offers modern design and, with Beal’s Design Lounge, can still be personalised so it does not lack personality. |
| Layout | Layouts can vary and may not always suit modern living without renovation. | More likely to feature open-plan spaces and functional layouts designed to suit the needs of you and your family. You also get the opportunity to use Beal’s Design Lounge for more personalised layouts. |
| Buying process | More likely to involve a property chain, which can delay or disrupt completion. | Often no property chain is involved, making the buying process more straightforward and less likely to encounter delays. |
| Potential to add value | May offer scope for extensions, loft conversions or structural changes to increase value, but these usually come with additional upfront costs. | The space is usually already fully optimised, but buyers can still improve it later through renovations if desired. |
| Location and surroundings | Often located in established neighbourhoods, with mature trees and existing amenities such as shops and cafes. | Built on new and upcoming developments, where green spaces and trees may take time to grow and mature. |
Why Choose a Move-in Ready Home?
There is a range of benefits associated with choosing a move-in-ready new build home, the most obvious being that there is less work to do before you can settle in, with no immediate decorating or renovations needed. Other reasons to choose a move-in-ready home include:
- No Unexpected Costs: When purchasing a new-build move-in-ready home, you can avoid surprise costs. Unlike re-sale houses, which can have surprise renovation needs and unexpected additional costs, like finding out your boiler is faulty or a major crack in one of your walls.
- Modern Specifications: New build homes are built with modern kitchens, bathrooms, fixtures and appliances, meaning you will have a lot of the latest appliances and products used in your home.
- Warranty and Aftercare: New build homes will benefit from a 2-year Beal warranty and a 10-year Buildmark warranty backed by the NHBC, giving you additional reassurance as you settle into your new property. And should any issues come up with your new home, our Customer Care team are always on hand to support you.
- More Time to Enjoy the Home: Since there are no major renovations or redecorating that need to be done, you can move in, get settled and start enjoying your new home.
Help For Buyers Schemes Available
Interested in a move-in-ready home? Check out our full range of help for buyer’s schemes, some options include:
- Smooth Move: Selling your current property can be stressful when moving into a new home. However, with Smooth Move, we help you with marketing your existing property and cover estate agent fees, allowing you to focus solely on moving into your new home.
- Part Exchange: Specifically for homeowners looking to move up the property ladder, as the home you purchase must be 30% more expensive than your current home. This scheme helps eliminate property chains and risks of the sale falling through, as Beal Homes would be your cash buyer.
- Launch Pad: Beal Homes’ Launch Pad scheme is for the first-time buyer who may require additional financial support. This scheme provides £1,000 to cover legal fees, with an additional £5,000 to spend on upgrades and additional features in our Design Lounge, our award-winning state-of-the-art hub where our experts help you realise the vision for your new home.
- First Homes: A government-backed scheme providing discounts of at least 30% on new-build properties that are eligible for first-time buyers. In East Riding of Yorkshire, you must be over 18, have a household income below £70,000 and meet local connection criteria to qualify.
What Happens Before You Move into a Move-in Ready Home?
Before moving into a Beal move-in ready home, there are a few processes that need to happen to finalise everything and allow you to start enjoying your new home.
- Reserve Your New Home
Once you’ve chosen your development and preferred plot, you can then reserve your home and begin the buying process. It’s at this point you will need to pay your reservation deposit, which is a standard fee of £750. At Beal, we support our buyers from reservation through to completion day and beyond. - Exchange Contracts and Prepare for Completion
At this stage you will finalise your mortgage and require a solicitor to handle a lot of the legal aspects of buying your house, such as the contracts and mortgage underwriting. These details will then be exchanged before your completion date is confirmed. - Final Checks and Preparations
Before your handover and completion date, your new home will go through necessary checks and preparations to ensure that it’s ready for you to move into. - Complete and Collect Your Keys
The actual purchase will then be completed; you’ll then be able to receive your keys and take ownership of your new home. Beal’s expert sales team can also take you around the property to give you the opportunity to familiarise yourself with your new home. You’ll also receive our Home Warranty Box, containing information about your new home, warranty cover and other available support once you’re settled into your new home. - Move in With Continued Support
Your home is now ready to move into, the most anticipated part of the process. No need for renovations or decorating works first; you can focus on unpacking and settling in. Beal’s customer support team will continue to support you beyond move-in day, and warranty support will remain in place.
What Happens on Completion Day?
Before completion day, there will be an exchange of contracts; at this point, the sale becomes legally binding. You will then be invited to attend a home demonstration, where our team will give you all the information you need to feel comfortable in your new home.
Then on your completion day, you will be handed the keys, and our expert sales team will then tour you around your new finished home. This will be the first time you walk through the property as its official legal owner. It also allows you to take in the details before you start moving in.
How Beal Helps You Create a Move-in Ready Home
Beal Homes helps you create a home that is truly move-in ready, from personalising your space to support after you move in. There’s plenty more included as standard and the opportunity to make your home truly yours with our Design Lounge.
High Specification
All Beal homes come with substantial specifications as standard, meaning that our buyers aren’t starting with a bare-bones property and having to spend extra to make it feel like a finished home.
With Beal, you can expect contemporary kitchens, bathrooms and fixtures, as well as modern appliances, and insulation for a more energy-efficient home.
Depending on the home and plot, your back garden will also include full fencing or a boundary wall and gate access, making it easily accessible and private from the go. At Beal Homes, we also plant trees to create added privacy, while giving your new home a more natural feel.
Personalise Your Home Before You Move in
When it comes down to personalising your new home, our Design Lounge has a team of experts ready to help with your vision.
At this point, you can change things like the colour of your bathroom tiles or kitchen cabinets, exploring new trends with our team of designers, as well as the types of flooring that are used throughout the property.
There may also be opportunities to personalise your outdoor space with landscaping choices or add extras to your home, such as an orangery. Check out our portfolio to see the possibilities for your home with Beal.
Though the extent to which you can personalise your property will depend on the stage that it’s in, fully completed homes may be less customisable than those still under construction.
Move in With Confidence
When you purchase a move-in-ready home, you’ll be backed by the National House-Building Council (NHBC) warranty. This is a ten-year Buildmark policy, which starts on legal completion of the property. It covers builder defects for the first two years and structural insurance from year three onwards. Additionally, Beal’s customer care team can offer expert help to make your move as stress-free as possible.
Don’t just take our word for it though, read what our existing customers have to say.
Your New Build Moving-in Checklist
Moving into a new build can take a lot of the work out of preparing a home, but there are still a handful of things to organise before you can truly start to settle in. Having a simple checklist can help you stay on top of things during the move.
- Confirm your Completion Date: This is the day that you receive the keys to your new property, the most exciting day of the process.
- Arrange your removals: Taking your time to pick a reputable removal company is vital; ensure you get quotes early so you can plan properly.
- Set up your utilities: This stage can be frictionless these days; it’s just a case of contacting all your utility providers (electric, gas, water) and notifying them of your change of address. You will also need to do the same for council tax and broadband too.
- Update your address: You should also notify your bank, employer and any insurance providers of your address change.
- Keep your new home information handy: Be sure to store warranty information, contact information and other important documents somewhere safe.
- Familiarise yourself with your home: At Beal, we’ll have our team guide you through a home demonstration tour to ensure you know how to work all the systems in your new home.
- Plan your first few days: This can be time set aside to unpack, arrange furniture and even order bins via your local council.
Final Thoughts: Move Into a Home That’s Ready for What’s Next
Move-in-ready homes can take away a lot of the stress and uncertainty around moving house. As opposed to immediately having to deal with redecorations and renovations, you can begin to immediately settle into a home that’s been finished with modern living in mind.
With Beal Homes, a high level of specification comes as standard, from floor coverings and appliances to fitted lighting and finished gardens. Our warranties and customer care also offer support beyond the initial moving-in stage.
If you’re considering a move and looking for a home that’s ready from day one, explore our latest range of developments across East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. From new builds in Hull and Goole to developments in Gainsborough, Immingham and Welton, you can explore our range of homes and find a location that suits you.