New-build property: buying off-plan, a winning choice?
Buying off-plan means buying a property before it has even been fully built. You buy the property on the basis of plans and a description of the work to be carried out, which the developer undertakes to respect.
Buying a property off-plan has many advantages:
- Compliance with standards: The homes comply with the latest energy, fire, acoustic and comfort standards.
- No immediate work: The homes are brand new. No need to budget for repairs in the early years
- Customizable homes : You can configure your future home to suit your tastes.
- Guarantees : You benefit from legal protection, thanks to the Breyne law, which protects you throughout your purchase.
In this article, we'll explore in more detail why buying a new home could be ideal for you.
Compliance with standards
- Energy efficiency (PEB)
Energy savings: New buildings comply with the latest Energy Performance of Buildings (EPB) standards, which translates into reduced energy consumption.
For example, the use of high-performance insulating materials, double- or triple-glazed windows and energy-efficient heating systems such as heat pumps can significantly reduce energy requirements.
These innovations not only reduce heating and electricity bills, but also contribute to a lower carbon footprint, in line with contemporary environmental objectives.
Comfort without overheating: Energy standards also include requirements for thermal comfort, ensuring a pleasant indoor temperature all year round.
For example, controlled mechanical ventilation (CMV) ensures better air circulation, avoiding overheating problems in summer and guaranteeing even heat distribution in winter.
The integration of solar shading devices such as brise-soleils also helps to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature without the need for air conditioning.
- Acoustics
New buildings are required to comply with strict acoustic standards to reduce noise and improve indoor quality of life.
For example, partitions between dwellings are reinforced with specific insulating materials such as rock wool, which absorb airborne noise (voices, music) and impact noise (footsteps, falling objects).
Floors in new buildings incorporate acoustic underlay or floating screeds, which reduce impact noise such as heels or falling objects.
For example, in a modern residential building, these technologies reduce the perception of neighborhood noise, creating a calm, relaxing indoor environment.
- Urban planning
Permit compliance: New constructions must comply with current planning permits and environmental regulations, guaranteeing their legality and harmonious integration into the urban fabric.
This includes criteria such as maximum heights, road alignments and distances from property boundaries.
No regularization permit: Unlike older buildings, new constructions avoid the risk of having to submit a regularization permit for modifications carried out without prior authorization.
This means that homeowners will not have to worry about the legality of work carried out prior to their acquisition.
No immediate work
- No renovation required: The new homes are delivered in perfect condition, ready to move into, with no need for renovation. The walls are new, the electrical and sanitary installations are up to current standards, and the floors are laid.
For example, a new apartment will have recent paintwork and modern sanitary fittings, unlike an older home which may require immediate upgrading work such as replacing the plumbing or renovating the paintwork.
- Healthy materials and equipment: The materials used in new buildings comply with current health standards, guaranteeing the absence of harmful substances such as asbestos, which may be present in older buildings.
For example, the paints used are free from harmful solvents, and equipment such as boilers and ventilation systems comply with the latest indoor air quality standards, ensuring a healthy environment from the moment you move in.
Customizable homes
When you buy off-plan, you can personalize your future home to suit your tastes and needs.
A wide range of possibilities are available to you, such as :
- Choice of floor and wall coverings: Imagine being able to choose the style of your floors before your home is even built. Whether you prefer sleek, modern tiling or warm parquet, customization lets you select the materials and colors that will harmonize perfectly with the vision of your living space.
- Positioning electrical outlets and lighting: You can decide the exact location of your electrical outlets and lighting points. Whether you want more outlets in your kitchen for your appliances or mood lighting in your living room, these adjustments can be made right from the design stage.
- Kitchen choice and configuration: You have the freedom to choose the layout, materials and finishes of your kitchen, so that it perfectly meets your expectations.
- Sanitaryware: From the choice of bathtubs and showers, every detail of your bathroom can be customized. Choose designer bathroom furniture for maximum comfort and modernity.
When you buy off-plan, you don't settle for a standardized home. You have the opportunity to co-create your home, ensuring that your new home is perfectly suited to your expectations and lifestyle.
Easy-to-use online configurators to customize your home live
The real estate industry is constantly evolving to adapt to buyers' needs and expectations. Among recent innovations, online configurators are gaining in popularity with real estate developers.
If you're thinking of buying a new home, it's important to ask property developers about the availability of online configurators. These tools can help you shape the home of your dreams and make the buying experience more satisfying.
With this in mind, Eiffage Real Estate has developed the Home Configurator, a tool that allows potential buyers to personalize their future home according to their preferences and budget.
Discover it on our Tomowo project.
Warranties
- Breyne Law
When selling off-plan, you benefit from various legal protections. These include the Breyne law, which governs agreements between buyer and seller of a new property in Belgium. It accompanies you at every stage of the sales process, offering essential guarantees for the smooth running of your real estate purchase.
- Completion guarantee
The completion guarantee ensures that the developer has the necessary resources to see the project through to completion, thereby reducing the risk of non-completion. This guarantee is designed to protect you in the event of the developer's insolvency.
- Decennial warranty
The ten-year warranty covers construction defects for ten years after delivery, protecting you against any major defects affecting the solidity and watertightness of your home.
- Manufacturer's warranty
New housing equipment such as boilers, heating systems and household appliances are covered by a manufacturer's warranty.
This coverage offers additional peace of mind to owners, who can rest assured that faulty equipment will be repaired or replaced at no extra cost.
- Turnaround time
Work completion deadlines are contractually defined, giving you a clear view of your home's delivery date.
In case of delay, compensatory interest, paid by the developer, is provided to compensate you.
Conclusion
Buying a property off-plan offers a host of advantages, making it a strategic choice for savvy investors and future homeowners.
By opting to buy off-plan, you benefit from homes that comply with the latest standards, guaranteeing energy efficiency and acoustic comfort, and are perfectly in tune with today's urban planning requirements.
The ability to customize allows you to create a living space that fully reflects your tastes and needs, making every square meter unique and a reflection of you.
Add to this the numerous legal warranties, which protect your investment and ensure the quality and durability of your home.
In conclusion, choosing to buy a property off-plan means choosing peace of mind, comfort, quality and customization .
