New-build estates are going up on the edges of towns and villages across the Bradford district, and on former mill and industrial sites closer in. Moving into one is a little different from moving into an older house. The keys come from a developer, not a seller. The estate may still be a building site, the road may not be finished, and the sat nav may not know your street exists. This guide covers what to plan so handover day runs smoothly.
Handover day: how it usually works
On a new-build, completion and handover often happen on the same day, but not always at the same time. The developer usually wants the money to arrive before releasing keys. Many also give a home demonstration, where someone walks you round, shows you the boiler, meters and stopcock, and hands over guides and warranties.
To plan the move around it:
- Confirm the date and time in writing. Ask the sales office when the keys will be handed over and how long the demonstration takes.
- Allow a buffer. Book the van for after the expected handover time, not before.
- Keep your solicitor in the loop. Funds need to arrive for keys to be released.
- Tell us about any delay straight away. The sooner we know, the easier it is to adjust.
For a general view of how completion works, see our guide to what happens on completion day.
Snagging before the furniture arrives
Snagging means checking your new home for faults, from paint marks to doors that stick. It is far easier to do in an empty house.
When to snag
If you can, snag at handover or before the van arrives. Once furniture is in, faults behind sofas and wardrobes are harder to spot and harder to fix.
What to check
- Doors and windows. Open and close every one. Check locks, handles and seals.
- Walls and ceilings. Look for cracks, rough patches and paint marks.
- Floors. Check for gaps, squeaks and damage.
- Kitchen and bathroom. Run taps, flush toilets, check seals and tiles.
- Electrics and heating. Test sockets, switches, lights and radiators.
- Outside. Check gutters, fences, paths and the drive.
Take photos, note the room and the fault, and send the list to the developer in the way they ask. Keep a copy.
Protecting new floors
New carpets and floors can be marked on moving day. Our crew uses floor protection where needed. If flooring has not been fitted yet, tell us, as some floors need extra care.
Getting a van onto an unfinished estate
Roads and access
Estate roads are often finished last. You may find:
- a temporary road surface with raised edges around drains and kerbs
- narrow roads with site vehicles parked along them
- road closures or one-way systems around building plots
- no street lighting yet on some roads
Ask the sales office about the best route in for a large van, and whether any roads are closed on your date.
Finding the house
New streets may not show up on maps or sat nav yet. Send us:
- the full postal address and the plot number
- directions from the nearest main road
- a map pin or a photo of the house if you have one
Parking at the new home
Your drive may be finished, or it may not. Visitor parking may be limited, and neighbours may be moving in the same week. Ask the developer where vans can park and if there are any times to avoid.
Site rules
Most developers have site rules for safety. They often include:
- Working hours. Site traffic may be heavy at the start and end of the day.
- Restricted areas. Some parts of the estate may be fenced off. Do not cross site fencing.
- Speed limits on site roads.
- Delivery times. Some sites prefer large vehicles at certain times.
Ask the sales office for the rules before moving day and share them with us. Our crew will follow the developer’s directions on site.
Measuring and planning rooms
New-builds often have different room sizes from older Bradford houses. Bedrooms can be smaller, and storage may be limited.
- Get the floor plan from the developer.
- Measure doors and stairs if you can visit before moving day.
- Check the loft. Many new-build lofts are not boarded and have no fitted ladder. We can only move items into a loft if there is a fitted loft ladder and boarding.
- Decide where large items go before the day, and tell the crew.
If your sale completes before the new home is ready, short-term storage can bridge the gap.
After the move
- Read the meters and take photos.
- Tell the council you have moved in for council tax, and check your bin collection days.
- Keep the warranty documents and the developer’s contact details together.
- Report snags in writing within the developer’s time limits.
Our moving-in checklist for your new home has more on the first few weeks.
Book your new-build move
New-build moves need a little more planning around keys, access and site rules. Our house removals team can plan the day around your handover time. Send the plot number, your dates and both addresses through our free quote form, or call 08000862860.
Planning a move in Bradford?
Get a free, no-obligation quote, or try the cost calculator for a rough idea first.
