FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Will I be compensated for the delay?
We are not able to compensate for the delay. Unlike some private developers, as a social housing charity, we do not have a compensation contingency budget. These delays are unforeseen and have additional financial cost to us in order to complete these homes.
Do I still need to exchange now?
We still expect buyers to exchange on notice as agreed during your reservation. Exchanging on notice is a legal commitment from both seller & buyer.
My mortgage offer will expire, what should I do?
Please speak to your mortgage advisor.
I’m currently in a rental property and need to notice, when should I hand in my notice?
Please refrain from handing in your notice until we can be confident with a move in date.
When is my next update?
Our next update to you will be when we have taken handover (this is also known as practical completion) from the contractors. We will not be able to provide you with interim updates.
Will Southern Housing cover the stamp duty increase if the project is delayed past April 2025?
The Government has announced that as of April 2025, the stamp duty land tax thresholds will change. The thresholds will vary based on individual circumstances. There will also be differences in the way buyers have elected to pay stamp duty that will determine whether any stamp duty is paid at the point of purchase. We will not cover any increased costs relating to stamp duty for this reason.
We advise you to consult with your solicitor for advice on whether your stamp duty cost will increase if there is a delay into April. The advice will depend on your individual circumstances and on how you have elected to pay.
Lock & leave
This is a date when the property is locked up and left secure as it is practically complete but requires building registration before it can be occupied.
Why do they have to check fire doors, when you can’t get planning permission with stating what doors are fire doors? Why if the IFI have been there since August then has it taken 6 months for someone to think to look at doors?
Our fire consultant (IFI) will not sign off the Fire Risk Assessment without the doors being checked. Our Clerk of Works had already undertaken this, but this is an extra set of eyes and allows the sign off to be complete – no major issues have been found through that process. The doors are fire doors throughout, but it is more about checking the installation and any movement.
Given all the fire checks, the Fire Risk Assessment is undertaken at the end of that process for an overall check (this is the second one we’ve had undertaken) and the doors are part of that process.
It also hasn’t caused any further delay as has coincided with the final fire stopping checks.
Will move in dates will be spread out? For example G1 will be planned on one week and G2 on another or will everyone be moving in the same time?
Once we receive confirmation that we can occupy the buildings, we will serve notice via solicitors and completion dates will start to be arranged within 10 working days. We will work with buyers to prioritise move in as some will need an extended notice period due to their existing tenancies. Additionally, the two blocks will be registered separately with G1 being registered first it is likely that some of these buyers will be the first to move in.
Will block H be moved in before, after or the same time as G1/G2?
Block H is a rented block and will be registered after Block G so are likely to move in later.
Do we know how long registration takes on average?
We don’t have a timescale on this at the moment, but we still anticipate receiving confirmation of registration to allow occupation in March.
Is there an estimated timeframe post registration?
Once we receive confirmation of registration, we will be looking to take internal handover within a week of receipt of registration, we will be able to serve notice to solicitors so occupations will start to happen within 10 working days.
In regard to the actual building, when will the fencing come down?
At this time, the fence will remain for security reasons until we are in a position to occupy the building. The fence between Phase 1 and Phase 2 will remain until it is safe to remove it, there is not timeframe for this currently.
Is there going to be a delay moving in due to the progress of the building works in front?
No, we are expecting to occupy as soon as the building is registered and we take handover.
When are we likely to find out a moving date?
Once we receive confirmation of registration from the building safety regulator, we will confirm when we are taking handover of the keys and serving notice. If you require an extended notice period beyond the 10 days you should speak to your sales progressor to discuss your options.
When can we view our properties again?
We will arrange viewings once we take handover and they are ready for occupation.
What does 10 day notice to complete mean?
Upon us taking handover of the homes, we will serve you, via your solicitor, with notice to complete on your purchase. In line with your sales contract this means you will have 10 working days from the date notice is served to complete the sale and collect your keys to move into your home. You will need to be prepared for any overlap with your current tenancy, if applicable.
If you are concerned about your current tenancy crossing over, please discuss your specific situation with your Sales Progressor to explore if a potential extension on the notice period is possible. This will be assessed case by case, based on individual circumstances.