I agree its definitely a buyer's market out there ...and will remain so for at least another 2 years I think
I wouldnt be warned off new build homes...in fact now is the time to buy one.....and yes make use of builder's incentive schemes
If you are in the market for a new property of any size do your home work and negoitiate like crazy ....the sales girls are pretty quiet at the moment.
So as BNH says ...make use of the end of month , end of period offers when builders are desperate to sell
Push for as many extras as you can included in the price
Walk away if you have to ....you can always come back to a deal