How to Secure Your Dream New Build Plot Early

How to Secure the Best Plot When Buying a New Build Home

Securing the best plot in a new build development is a top priority for many buyers. Whether you’re after a prime corner plot, a south-facing garden, or a home with the best views, acting early is essential. This guide will help you stay ahead of the competition and increase your chances of securing the perfect new build home.

1. Research the New Build Development Before It’s Launched

The most effective way to get ahead of other buyers is to start your research early. Developers often release information about upcoming phases well before the official launch.

How to do it:

Sign up for developer newsletters – Many housebuilders send updates on new phases before they’re publicly available. Signing up ensures you stay informed about new build homes for sale.
Check the developer’s website and social media – Regularly visit their website and follow social media pages for news on upcoming new build property releases.
Speak to the sales team – Even if a development isn’t officially launched, sales teams often have insights into future availability. Building a relationship with them could give you early access to the best plots.

2. Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage

Securing a mortgage agreement in principle before the plot release makes the process smoother and faster. Developers prioritise buyers who can demonstrate financial readiness.

Why this matters:

Proof of affordability – A pre-approval shows the developer that you’re serious about buying a new build home and financially prepared, increasing your credibility.
Faster decision-making – Many new build developments operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Being pre-approved allows you to act quickly when securing your preferred plot.

How to do it:

Contact your mortgage provider or a broker to obtain a mortgage in principle—a statement from a lender confirming how much they’re willing to lend based on your finances.

Read: How to apply for a mortgage UK

3. Attend Early Previews and Soft Launches

Developers often host VIP previews or soft launches for registered buyers before the official release. These events give you an early opportunity to view and secure the best plots before they open to the public.

How to do it:

Register early – Express interest as soon as possible. Developers often prioritise early registrants for exclusive access to available plots.
Stay flexible – These events can be announced at short notice. Being available to attend gives you a competitive edge in securing a new build home.

4. Know What You Want in a New Build Home

Having a clear idea of your preferred plot can speed up decision-making. Developers expect quick choices, especially in sought-after locations or during early phases of the development.

Consider:

Plot location – Do you prefer a corner plot, proximity to communal areas, or a quieter spot?
Orientation – Would you like a south-facing garden for more sunlight, or is privacy a priority?
Future needs – Ensure the plot meets both your current and long-term lifestyle requirements, making it a great investment.

How to do it:

Visit the area beforehand to familiarise yourself with the layout of the new build development.
Review the site plan to identify your preferred plots before the development launches.

5. Be Ready to Act Fast When Buying a New Build Home

Plots in desirable developments often sell quickly. Once you’ve done your research and attended any pre-launch events, be prepared to act when plots become available.

How to do it:

Have your deposit ready – Ensure funds are accessible to secure your new build property immediately.
Maintain contact with the developer – Stay in touch with the sales team, as they often provide early updates on plot availability.

6. Consider Part Exchange or Help to Buy

Many developers offer incentives to simplify the buying process. If you’re still selling a home or need financial assistance, these schemes can help.

Why this helps:

Part exchange – If you’re a homeowner, some developers will buy your current property, enabling you to secure a new build home without delays.
Help to Buy – This government-backed scheme assists buyers with a smaller deposit, making it easier to afford a prime plot in a new build development.

Looking to buy a new build home? Sign up for the Hurstwood Homes newsletter for expert advice and updates on the latest new build developments and available plots!

The final phase of new build homes at Newchurch Meadows, Rawtenstall, is move-in ready now, and our new development at Cotton Meadows, Barnoldswick, will be launching soon. Register your interest today to ensure you don’t miss out on this beautiful collection of homes!

New Year, New Home: Discover your Dream Hurstwood Home in 2025

As we embrace the new year, there's no better time to make a fresh start by moving into a home that suits your needs and lifestyle. Whether you're looking to upsize, downsize, or simply find a home that fits your vision of the future, 2025 offers a unique window of opportunity. With favourable market conditions, lower mortgage rates, and impending changes to stamp duty, now is the ideal time to make a move—and there's no better place to find your dream home than with Hurstwood Homes.

Wanting to Make a Change?

Making the decision to move is a significant one—emotionally and financially. Whether your family is growing, your needs are shifting, or you're simply looking for something new, it’s important to consider the right time to act. If you've been finding yourself browsing properties or feeling like it's time for a change, you're not alone. At Hurstwood Homes, we understand the importance of making a home that works for you. Here are some signs it might be time to make the move:

You Need More Space
For families growing or those welcoming guests over the holidays, a lack of space can feel overwhelming. If you're constantly struggling for storage or fighting for bathroom time, it might be time to move. Hurstwood’s generously proportioned homes, like the Willow with five bedrooms and three bathrooms, can ensure everyone has their own space.
You Want a Layout That Works for You
We’ve all experienced the frustration of a home that doesn’t quite fit our needs. Perhaps you’re looking for an open-plan space or more privacy for work and relaxation. Whether it's a spacious kitchen, family room, or the addition of a home office, Hurstwood Homes offers a variety of layouts to suit your preferences. Our Chestnut four-bedroom home, for example, has an open-plan kitchen and dining space perfect for family gatherings.
Your Circumstances Have Changed
Whether you’re moving in with a partner or need to relocate for work, changing life circumstances can make it clear that it’s time to look for a new home. Many of our homes come with flexible spaces—such as extra bedrooms or additional reception rooms for home offices —to adapt to your changing needs.
You Want to Redress the Work/Life Balance
If you’ve started working remotely, or simply want to reduce your commute, moving closer to work or to a more peaceful environment could improve your life balance. Our developments are strategically located to offer easy access to transport links while providing a tranquil environment to call home. Read our article on why Rawtenstall, the home of Newchurch Meadows, is ideal for commuters.

Why Move Now?

2025 is shaping up to be a promising year for the housing market, and there are several reasons why it’s the perfect time to make your move:

Lock in Savings Before Stamp Duty Relief Ends
The current stamp duty relief ends on 31 March 2025, which could mean higher costs for buyers later in the year. By acting now, you can save thousands and secure your new home before the stamp duty changes. Plus, purchasing from Hurstwood Homes means you’ll benefit from a smooth process with no upward chain, speeding up your move and maximising your savings.
Take Advantage of Low Mortgage Rates
Mortgage rates have stabilised after their highs in 2022, and many experts predict that they will continue to fall in early 2025. Lower rates make it easier to secure a manageable monthly payment, so it’s an excellent time to lock in a competitive rate. Plus, Hurstwood Homes offers tailored mortgage options, including our exclusive Own New Rate Reducer scheme, making homeownership more affordable. Act now to secure a competitive interest rate and potentially lower your monthly mortgage payments.
Beat the Spring Rush
The property market tends to heat up after the holiday season, and prices are expected to rise by 2%-4% in 2025. By starting your home search now, you can avoid the competitive spring market and secure your dream home at a better price before demand pushes costs higher. This also means your home’s value is also likely to increase once you own it!

Make the Move to a Hurstwood Home

Choosing to move into a Hurstwood Home means choosing a lifestyle of luxury, comfort, and sustainability. Our homes are designed not only for modern living but also for long-term savings and environmental responsibility.

What Makes a Hurstwood Home Special?

Luxury Designer Kitchens and Bathrooms: With SieMatic kitchens and Hansgrohe and Duravit bathrooms featuring cutting-edge design and high-quality materials, your spaces will be as stylish as they are functional.
Log Burners & Underfloor Heating: Enjoy cosy warmth during winter months with log burners and efficient underfloor heating that enhances comfort throughout your home.
Sustainable Features: From air source heat pumps to solar panels, our homes are built with energy efficiency in mind. By choosing energy-efficient features, you can significantly reduce your environmental impact and contribute to a more sustainable future. This means you can save money on energy bills while reducing your carbon footprint.
High-Quality Construction: Our homes are built with the latest in energy-efficient technology and high-quality materials, ensuring a durable and long-lasting home.
Spacious, Open-Plan Living: Enjoy bright, airy spaces with modern layouts that foster a sense of community and togetherness, while also providing quiet spaces for relaxation and work.
Electric Vehicle Charging Points: Future-proof your home with dedicated electric vehicle charging points, ensuring you're ready for the eco-friendly future.
Exceptional Customer Service: Experience the Hurstwood Homes difference with our commitment to providing an exceptional customer journey from initial enquiry to aftercare.
Make it your dream home: With Hurstwood Homes, you have the choice to make your home yours. Decide on own kitchen, flooring and bathroom tiles so you can move into the home you have truly been dreaming of.

Ways You'll Save in a Hurstwood Home
One of the major benefits of choosing a Hurstwood Home is the money you'll save over time. Our homes are built with the latest in energy-efficient technology, from high-quality insulation to solar panels and air source heat pumps in our newest developments. This reduces your energy costs and ensures your home stays comfortable all year round.

Start Your Search Today

2025 offers a perfect opportunity to secure your dream home with Hurstwood Homes. With an ideal combination of lower mortgage rates, favourable stamp duty relief, and a growing housing market, now is the time to make your move.

By choosing a Hurstwood Home, you're not just investing in a house—you're investing in a better way to live. With modern features, energy efficiency, and a design that suits your lifestyle, there’s no better time to find your perfect home.

Start your search with Hurstwood Homes today. Make 2025 the year you move into the home you have always wanted!

Contact us today to schedule a viewing and discover your perfect Hurstwood Home.

Why Buy Now?

Is now the right time to buy your dream home?

The UK housing market is showing signs of a strong comeback, and there are several factors that suggest now could be a good time to buy a home. The housing market has had ongoing positivity, prices surging, interest rate dropping and therefore there is growth in house sales year on year. With our incentives and the opportunity for mortgage rate reductions, now is the perfect time to buy at Newchurch Meadows whilst you still have the chance.

Rising house prices and buyer confidence

House prices are on the rise again, with the fastest growth in two years. Average property prices are higher than a year ago in every region of England. The largest annual rise is in the North West, at 4.6%.This trend is expected to continue, driven by factors like:

Lower mortgage rates: The Bank of England's recent interest rate cut and falling mortgage rates have made homeownership more affordable for many buyers. The Bank of England has confirmed that mortgage approval rates are at a two-year high.
Strong wage growth: Rising wages are improving affordability. Amanda Bryden, Head of Mortgages, Halifax, said “This has boosted confidence among potential buyers, with the number of mortgages agreed up over 40% in the last year and now at their highest level since July 2022.”
Increased demand: House sales are up significantly compared to last year, indicating a healthy demand in the market. “Data from Rightmove shows that the number of agreed sales is up by 25% on this point last year” says Richard Harrison, head of mortgages at Atom Bank
Rent prices continue to grow: Rent prices are increasing due to increased demand, owning a property shields you from soaring rental prices making homeownership a more attractive option for long-term financial stability.

Upcoming Change to Stamp Duty

Stamp Duty, officially called Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT), is a tax you pay when you buy property or land in England and Northern Ireland. If you want to learn more about Stamp Duty, read here. In September 2022, the Government announced a temporary increase to the thresholds above which SDLT must be paid. This meant that more people fit into a band in which they would pay less SDLT, or none at all. The temporary threshold increase is due to end on 31 March 2025, meaning that any transaction which completes thereafter will be subject to the increased rates of Stamp Duty.

On 31 March 2025:

The nil rate threshold which is currently £250,000 will return to the previous level of £125,000.
The nil rate threshold for first time buyers which is currently £425,000 will return to the previous level of £300,000.
The maximum purchase price for which First-Time Buyers Relief can be claimed is currently £625,000 and will return to the previous level of £500,000.

Buying before April 2025 therefore means you may have the opportunity to pay less Stamp Duty and more relief if you are a first-time buyer.

Homebuyer incentives with Own New

With Own New Rate Reducer available with Newchurch Meadows properties, mortgage rates below 1.63% are available. For example, you could now save up to £805* per month on mortgage payments available with Own New Rate Reducer on a Newchurch Meadows Home. Eliot Darcy, founder of Own New explains that “Monthly cost is a big issue for people, not just when interest rates are high, as it doesn’t look like rates are going to go down to where they used to be. It’s a problem for people and people want lower monthly payments, and ultimately, that’s what Rate Reducer does”. Read more about Own New’s Rate Reducer here and make your dream home a reality!

*This is an example based on market interest rates, with an example Newchurch Meadows home price of £595,000 and an average mortgage term of 35 years. Assumes a 5% homebuilder incentive and a 2 year fix, with 75% LTV mortgage. Rates valid as of 15-10-2024

Now is a great time to buy a home for many reasons, including the final wave of Newchurch Meadows properties becoming available. With rising house prices, favourable mortgage rates, and the upcoming changes to Stamp Duty, now is an ideal time to invest in a Newchurch Meadows home. Take advantage of the current Stamp Duty rates and the Own New Rate Reducer program to reduce your overall costs and you can benefit from owning a home now in such strong market conditions. And if you buy a home now, you still have time to move in by Christmas!

Don't miss out on this opportunity to own a beautiful home in the heart of the Rossendale Valley. Contact us today to schedule a viewing and learn more about how Newchurch Meadows can be your perfect home.

If you need any more reasons to grab your home at our ideal Newchurch Meadows location whilst you can, read here!

While the market shows positive signs, it's crucial to do your own research and consider your individual circumstances before making a decision. Consulting a financial advisor can be helpful in making an informed choice.

Getting Your Home Ready for the Colder Months

Autumn Home Preparation

As the leaves turn golden and the evenings grow darker, it's the perfect time to start preparing your home for the colder months. Autumn isn’t just about cosy blankets and warm drinks; it’s also the season for essential maintenance tasks that will help your home withstand the chill of winter. Let’s walk through some practical steps to ensure your home is both warm and welcoming.

Essential Home Maintenance for Autumn

Inspect Your Heating System

The last thing you want is to discover a problem with your heating when the cold sets in. Make sure your boiler or central heating system is in good working order before the temperatures drop.

Boiler service: At Newchurch Meadows, central heating and hot water is provided by an efficient gas system and boiler. Make sure you book an annual boiler service to ensure yours is working efficiently too. This can help prevent breakdowns and extend its lifespan.
Bleed the radiators: Over time, air can become trapped in radiators, reducing their efficiency. Bleeding them releases this air and ensures they heat up evenly.
Check your thermostat: If you have a programmable or smart thermostat, now is a good time to adjust the settings for cooler weather.

Clean the Gutters and Downspouts

Falling leaves may look beautiful, but they can quickly clog your gutters and downspouts, leading to blockages and potential water damage. Cleaning them out in the autumn helps prevent dampness and leaks when heavy rain or snow arrives.

Gutter guard installation: Consider installing gutter guards to minimise leaf buildup, making maintenance easier in the long run.
Check for damage: While you’re up there, check for any cracks or leaks in your gutters. Addressing these early can help avoid more expensive repairs down the line.

Inspect Windows and Doors for Drafts

Drafts can be a major source of heat loss in your home. Autumn is the time to check that your windows and doors are properly sealed to keep the warm air in and the cold air out.

Seal gaps: Use weatherstripping or caulk to seal any gaps or cracks around windows and doors. Even small drafts can have a big impact on your energy bills.
Upgrade curtains: If your windows feel especially cold, consider swapping lighter curtains for heavier, thermal ones to add an extra layer of insulation.

Roof Maintenance

Your roof is your home’s first line of defence against the elements, so giving it a once-over before the weather turns is essential. Roofs with quality natural slate tiles, like our homes at Newchurch Meadows, are perfect for the changing seasons as they are highly resistant to weathering and help regulate indoor temperatures.

Check for missing tiles: Even one missing tile can lead to leaks, so inspect your roof for any signs of damage.
Clear debris: Remove any moss, leaves, or branches that could cause blockages in gutters or lead to moisture problems.
Consider insulation: If your home has poor roof insulation, heat will escape more easily. Autumn is a great time to invest in proper insulation before winter arrives.

Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms

With heating systems running and fireplaces being used, the risk of carbon monoxide exposure increases during the colder months. Checking your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors is a simple but critical safety task.

Replace batteries: Even if your alarms aren’t beeping yet, it’s a good idea to replace the batteries before winter.
Test the alarms: Press the test button on each alarm to ensure they’re working correctly. If any are outdated, now’s the time to replace them.

Warm your living room up with fairy lights, candles and pumpkins, and keep yourself warm by getting your fireplace ready, having a warm drink in your favourite autumn mug and why not have a seasonal treat too!

Cosy Décor Ideas for Autumn

Once your home is prepped for the colder months, it’s time to make the inside feel as welcoming and warm as possible. Here are some easy ways to cosy up your space for autumn.

Layer Up with Soft Textures

Adding soft textures is a simple way to make your home feel cosy in autumn.

Throw blankets: Drape a chunky knit throw over your sofa or armchair. Not only does it add texture, but it’s also perfect for snuggling up on chilly evenings.
Rugs: If you have hardwood or tiled floors, adding a thick, soft rug can make a huge difference in warmth and comfort. A deep-pile rug instantly creates a cosy atmosphere.
Cushions: Mix and match cushions in autumnal shades like burnt orange, deep red, or mustard yellow. Play with textures like velvet or faux fur for added warmth.

Create Ambient Lighting

As the days get shorter, lighting becomes even more important in setting the mood. Soft, warm lighting can transform a room and make it feel much more inviting.

Candles: Autumn is the perfect time to break out the scented candles. Choose autumn-inspired scents like cinnamon, pumpkin spice, or vanilla to enhance the cosy feeling.
Fairy lights: String lights aren’t just for Christmas. Draping fairy lights around windows or along shelves can add a magical glow to your living space.
Floor and table lamps: Swap harsh overhead lighting for softer, low-level lighting like floor or table lamps with warm-toned bulbs.

Incorporate Autumnal Colours

Bringing in the rich, warm tones of autumn can make your home feel instantly snug and seasonal.

Swap out your decor: Switch lighter summer colours for deeper hues like rust, burgundy, and olive. You don’t need to overhaul your entire home—just changing a few key items like cushion covers, throws, or table runners can make a big difference.
Seasonal centrepieces: Create an autumnal centrepiece for your dining table or coffee table using pumpkins, dried leaves, or even pinecones. It’s an easy, affordable way to bring a bit of the outdoors in.

Warm Up Your Fireplace

If you’re lucky enough to have a fireplace or log burner, like many properties at Newchurch Meadows, now is the time to make it the focal point of your room.

Decorate the mantel: Dress your mantel with autumnal decor like candles, small pumpkins, and seasonal garlands. It draws attention to the fireplace and adds an extra layer of warmth to the room.
Stock up on firewood: If you have a wood-burning stove or open fire, make sure you have plenty of firewood on hand. There’s nothing quite as cosy as a crackling fire on a chilly autumn evening.

By taking care of essential maintenance tasks and adding some cosy touches, you can ensure your home is ready to welcome autumn. These small efforts now will help you stay warm, safe, and comfortable when the colder months arrive. Hurstwood homes are built with autumn in mind. Features like double glazing, efficient heating systems, and well-insulated walls ensure your home stays warm and cosy during the colder months. For more ideas on preparing your home for the seasons, explore Hurstwood Homes and find a property designed to help you enjoy every time of year.