Purchasing from a Developer

[SaoirseB]

I've signed a contract to buy a house from a developer, but haven't been asked to pay the deposit yet. I understand I have 10 days after the developer signs to withdraw and he was supposed to arrive back from holiday this Monday. I'm having second thoughts as I've been asking the agent for a few weeks now to send me the necessary documentation such as the rules of the complex.

I've done some research and sent the agent a list of questions which she hasn't answered yet:

1. In the spec document they say things like e.g. a White Acrylic bath with a Nicci spout or similar. I asked what they mean by similar and if they could give me the brand names they would use as similar as well as samples. The last time I asked the agent she told me they would only have samples closer to when they're going to build. How do I sign up for a house without knowing what the finishes will look like?
2. Also the agent mentioned that the kitchen would have granite tops, but it doesn't appear in the spec doc.
3. I asked if the NHBRC levy, water and sewage connection fees are included in the purchase price.
4. I asked for the results of the soil and geological tests.
5. What warranties and guarantees are covered? Should I find any issues with the building, do I take it up with the developer/builder or his company.
6. What is the date by which the building will be completed.

I've never bought from a developer before and I'm scared I'm going to miss something very important and get a nasty surprise. Is there something I'm missing and should know/ask about?

 

[akescpt]

did u sign without a reply to those questions? if yes, why? obviously you are concerned but you still sign?

 

[The_Ogre]

There's a simple rule of thumb when it comes to property.

If you have any doubt, pull out! And in your case it seems you've been trying to milk them for answers for long enough

 

[^^vampire^^]

I bought an off plan about 2 years ago. My advice is buy from the tried and tested developers like Renico etc rather than other developers. The new developers in the game need to go above that of the others and show they are willing to answer all details requested until they too become big players. If they are already dropping the ball now imagine how bad it will be when it comes to snag lists etc etc.

Rather wait for something more solid.

 

[SaoirseB]

did u sign without a reply to those questions? if yes, why? obviously you are concerned but you still sign?

Yes. It was very silly of me. That's why I want to cross all my T's before the 10 days is up. I've just sent them an email telling them I'm withdrawing since they haven't replied to my questions.

 

[SaoirseB]

The developers are called Asrin. Anyone heard of them?

 

[foxtrotunicorncharliekilo]

If you have any doubt, pull out!

Sound advice. Can be applied in many scenarios.

 

[The_Ogre]

Yes. It was very silly of me. That's why I want to cross all my T's before the 10 days is up. I've just sent them an email telling them I'm withdrawing since they haven't replied to my questions.

You should have told them you're withdrawing unconditionally. Don't add any reasons, you don't have to.

Remember, you're treading on legal areas and you don't want to sound accusatory.

 

[ice_cubes]

I doubt they will come after you, as long as you have read the contract & are 100% sure you are covered.

 

[Electra88]

There's a simple rule of thumb when it comes to property.

If you have any doubt, pull out! And in your case it seems you've been trying to milk them for answers for long enough

If only everything in life was that simple...

You should have told them you're withdrawing unconditionally. Don't add any reasons, you don't have to.

Remember, you're treading on legal areas and you don't want to sound accusatory.

It is good to criticize anything you wish to invest your time and money in.

But I think no answers from the developer is in fact an answer.

 

[Electra88]

I doubt they will come after you, as long as you have read the contract & are 100% sure you are covered.

Somebody who fails to produce in terms of a contract cannot go after the person they promised to produce to.

 

[Whatzmyname]

The developers are called Asrin. Anyone heard of them?

Asrin is known for using inferior products and installation methods. Just ask the residents of Parklands in Cape Town. They are very sketchy. My sister bought brand new from them and still fixing stuff to this day. Their floor tiles cracked (not enough cement underneath tiles and uneven), their ceiling collapsed in the living room, their geyser broke...and that is only the stuff I remember.