As the most popular month for home moves approaches, with Friday, 30th August predicted to be the busiest day of the year, homebuyers are urged to consider the importance of snagging inspections. This call to action follows news from the HomeOwners Alliance (HOA), which highlights the significant number of moves expected and the potential pitfalls associated with moving on such a busy day.
Data from Reallymoving.com indicates that August has consistently been the most popular month for moving home over the past twelve years. This year, it’s estimated that approximately 75,000 homeowners will move in August alone, with nearly 6,500 moves expected on Friday, 30th August. Such a high volume of moves, especially on a single day, can lead to various logistical challenges, from delayed transfers of funds to potential conveyancing issues.
Paula Higgins, Chief Executive of the HOA, advises homeowners to be exceptionally organised if they plan to move on this date. Delays can be particularly problematic on Fridays, as banks and conveyancers are often overwhelmed, leading to potential weekend delays for those unable to complete their moves on time. Higgins notes, “It may appear sensible to move on a Friday so you have time to unpack and settle in over the weekend before heading back to work. But we advise people to be exceptionally careful if they move on a Friday.”
The HOA’s research uncovered that one in five homeowners who bought their home between 2016 and 2018 experienced moving day delays. These delays, often caused by late vacating sellers or fund clearance issues, resulted in significant additional costs for many. With up to 25% of affected homeowners incurring costs exceeding £500, and some facing expenses over £1,000, the financial impact of such delays can be substantial.
Homeowners often face a variety of costs when moves are delayed. These include removal firm cancellation charges, hourly waiting charges, storage fees, hotel accommodation costs, and late completion penalties. For many, these unexpected expenses can add significant stress to an already taxing process. It’s clear that being prepared and taking preventative measures can save homeowners not only time and hassle but also a considerable amount of money.
Tips to Avoid Moving Day Pitfalls
- Consider a Mid-Week Move: Moving mid-week can be less stressful and potentially cheaper, as removal firms often offer discounts. It also reduces the risk of delays associated with the busy end-of-week period when banks and conveyancers are typically under more pressure.
- Plan Ahead: Start getting quotes from removal firms as soon as contracts are exchanged. Choose a firm you trust and discuss contingency plans for any delays. Early booking can also secure better rates and ensure availability on your desired moving date.
- Early Fund Transfer: Ensure your solicitor arranges for mortgage funds to be transferred a day before completion, avoiding last-minute issues on the day of the move. Request that the transfer be completed before 3 pm to prevent any delays that could leave you stranded over the weekend.
Additionally, it is wise to confirm all arrangements with your removal firm well in advance and to have a backup plan in place. This might include identifying temporary accommodation options and having an emergency contact list for all parties involved in the move.
Importance of Snagging Inspections
Given the high stakes of moving into a new build home, snagging inspections are more crucial than ever. New Build Inspections provides professional snagging services to identify defects in new homes before buyers move in. This service ensures that homeowners can avoid the stress and expense of discovering issues after they have already moved.
Snagging inspections involve a thorough check of the new property, identifying issues ranging from minor cosmetic defects to major problems. These inspections are essential because they ensure that many defects can be identified and rectified by the builder before the homeowner takes possession of the property. Without such inspections, homeowners might find themselves dealing with significant repairs and alterations after moving in, leading to additional costs and inconvenience. With the rush of moves expected this August, it’s vital for new build buyers to schedule snagging inspections early.
As the busiest day for moving homes approaches, it’s essential for buyers, especially those purchasing new builds, to be well-prepared. By scheduling a snagging inspection with New Build Inspections, homeowners can mitigate the risks associated with moving into a new property and ensure a smoother transition.
For more advice on buying, selling, owning, and moving homes, visit the HomeOwners Alliance website. And remember, when it comes to your new build home, don’t leave anything to chance – get a snagging inspection to secure your investment.