New Build Barter Strategy

[rib2081782]

The Mrs and I have recently found a new Taylor Wimpey house we like the look of.
The sales agent informed us that she would have to get the house released if we were interested albeit the house is 80% complete. At the time she said the house would be released around the £320,000 mark. She has since called to say that the plot next door (currently a hole in the ground) has been released by mistake and is a slightly lower spec but released at £330,000 nonetheless.
She estimates that the plot we actually wanted would be 'released' in the next couple of days and be in the region of £335,000 since this one was of a low spec *surprise* *surprise*.

My initial thoughts are that this is nothing more than a strategy on her part to attempt to drive prices up on the house we are interested in and £330,000 is a completely arbitrary figure which they control!

What are everyone else's thoughts on the situation and what would be your starting point and strategy for bartering?

Rikk

[New Home Expert]

For a start, it seems strange that a house 80% built has:
1) Not been released for sale and 2) Not been sold.

I think the sales advisor is making it up as they go along.
I would suggest that whichever plot you actually want, you call the area sales manager at the regional office and get a proper official price.

All sales staff have "negotiables" where they can give away "free extras" such as turf and or carpets and/or offer discounts  around  £5,000 to £10,000 on certain plots at certain times of the year!

My advice would be to not buy a new home and be aware that Taylor Wimpey have a terrible reputation for defects and customer care! Just because all the press is about Bovis at the moment doesn't mean the other housebuilders are much better in my opinion!

If you must, don't use the builder's preferred/suggested/recommended solicitor under any circumstances and have your house independently inspected and snagged BEFORE you legally complete and move in.  Make sure it is a Freehold house too, not Leasehold.