New-Build Buyer Checklist — A Thoughtful Start

Buying a new property is exciting — and always overwhelming. At House of Moods, we’ve walked alongside many clients at this exact moment, and we’ve seen how much easier the process becomes when the right questions are asked early.

We’ve created this checklist as a gentle guide, shaped by real experience, meant to support you as you think through a potential purchase — beyond plans, finishes, or first impressions.

Our hope is that it helps you pause, reflect, and move forward with clarity, knowing that your future home has the potential to truly fit the way you live.

1. Before You Commit (Before Signing)

☐ Review floor plans carefully: proportions, circulation, and wasted space

☐ Assess natural light, orientation, window sizes, and views

☐ Understand net vs. gross square meters

☐ Request a written list of what is included in the standard delivery

☐ Clarify what can be modified and until when

☐ Understand the building’s technical systems (heating, cooling, ventilation)

2. Layout & Lifestyle Fit

☐ Consider your daily lifestyle (working from home, entertaining, storage needs)

☐ Is there sufficient storage? (Usually there isn’t)

☐ Are kitchen and bathroom layouts truly functional?

☐ Consider future needs (children, home office, long-term living)

3. Design & Customization Opportunities

☐ Can non-structural walls be modified?

☐ Are electrical and lighting plans customizable?

☐ Should standard kitchens/bathrooms be upgraded or redesigned?

☐ Is custom joinery (wardrobes, media walls, storage) required?

4. Lighting & Electrical Planning

☐ Are ceiling spotlights the only lighting source? (They shouldn’t be)

☐ Has layered lighting been planned? (ambient / task / accent)

☐ Are sockets, switches, and data points correctly positioned?

☐ Are smart home or automation features being considered?

5. Materials & Finishes

☐ Are developer-provided finishes satisfactory long-term?

☐ Are flooring, wall finishes, and fittings of adequate quality?

☐ Have items to be replaced or upgraded been identified early?

☐ Are lead times for custom items accounted for?

6. Budget Awareness

☐ Is the budget limited to purchase price only? (It shouldn’t be)

☐ Are optional upgrades clearly costed?

☐ Is there a reserve budget for post-handover improvements?

7. Before Handover

☐ Are all technical drawings and approvals finalized?

☐ Are lighting, joinery, and built-in elements planned?

☐ Are furniture dimensions and delivery logistics checked?

☐ Is a final inspection and snag list scheduled?

8. Strategic Considerations

☐ Has the property’s true potential been professionally assessed?

☐ Have you distinguished between “standard” and “right for you”?

☐ Will this home genuinely support your lifestyle?

Final Note

Buying a new-build property is like receiving a blank canvas. If the right questions are not asked early, that canvas quickly becomes limited.

Early planning = better decisions, controlled costs, and a more refined way of living.

Should you wish to have a pre-purchase consultation before making your buying decision, we are here to help you assess the space, its potential, its limitations and guide you through any additional budget considerations.

Book your call now!