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Flossie Mac

Buying the 'show home' any experiences - good or bad?

Flossie Mac, 3 March, 2009 at 09:37 Posted on Off Topic Posts 0 18

My OH and I have looked at a new housing development and really like the showhome, not just because of the interior but because it is a larger plot and also has some other advantages.

I don't know anyone who has ever bought the show house on a development so I'm not sure if this would be a good move or not? Are we likely to find things wrong with it (I'm thinking that it could have been rushed in order for it to be completed)?

I'm rambling but I'd like to know peoples thoughts and experiences.

18 replies

Latest activity by Charles, 14 April, 2026 at 12:44
  • claires
    Beginner July 2008
    claires ·
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    Do you get all the furnishings or just the house? We were interested in the showhome on a developement, but as it had all the best features ie best kitchen, best tiles etc, they obviously wanted more for it, than a normal house off plan. There would be an issue with the valuer not valuing it up enough if you are getting a mortgage.

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  • KB3
    Beginner
    KB3 ·
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    My boss bought the showhome penthouse on a development in London, for quite a substantial amount of money. None of the electrics worked, the heating was faulty, there were no ariels for the TVs, the plumbing was leaky and the roof leaked too! He's sueing the developers but has had to fork out to fix the problems in the meantime.

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  • Hecate
    Beginner
    Hecate ·
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    View quoted message

    I've never known that to be an issue with buying a show home.

    Basically they are likely to offer you everything in the show home - down to cutlery etc, everything that dresses it for sale or at a lower price just the house.

    Remember the show home is going to have all the top features and probably will be extremely well made. You could also negotiate to have new floors put throughout as people obviously will have been walking so the floors will not be new

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  • Flossie Mac
    Flossie Mac ·
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    KB3 - that sounds dreadful, eek.

    claires - as far as I know it's all the furnishings (Hecate - we didn't check on the smaller items) but it would include all fitments and furniture already in.

    The kitchen is an upgrade as are all the floor coverings and bathroom tiles.

    I'm waiting for them to come back to me with a price. The development is very new and the showhome has only been open since the beginning of February so it's doubtful that they will commit to selling it so soon, however, we do know that they have to sell 12 properties before they are able to start building the rest of the houses.

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  • claires
    Beginner July 2008
    claires ·
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    The issue when we looked was that the builder wanted £30K more for the house as it had all the bits and bobs in. When i spoke to a valuer, he said it wouldnt value up at that, if all the other houses had sold for £30K less.

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  • MrsDux
    Beginner April 2004
    MrsDux ·
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    You'd need to find out how long it would be before you could buy them. We bought a brand new flat (not the show one) a few years ago and it was one of the first to be sold on the development. It took a further 2 years before they sold the showflats as they used them as showflats for all future developments too (even though the layout was nothing like the more recently developed ones).

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  • P
    Beginner
    peanut ·
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    We bought the show home. It was finished to a much neater standard and had all the best tiles etc and spot lights in all rooms downstairs etc. the garden was done with a swing set and great decked area too. the garage was all lined and great lighting fitted as it was used as the office. It cost more though

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  • Flossie Mac
    Flossie Mac ·
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    Peanut - do you mind me asking (you don't have to tell me!) how much more? We've got the price for this particular type of house so we know it will be more than that we're just not sure how much more, my OH thinks around £20,000. I guess that depends on the type of house though doesn't it? This is a 4 bedroom house we are looking at.

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  • P
    Beginner
    peanut ·
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    Your OH is pretty much spot on. Ours is a 4 bed and study so roughly the same size. It was in 2006 that we bought though so you may have more luck paying less this time. the difference was the plot size, garden being finished and location and of course the better quality of white goods and quality carpets throughout. It was lovely as the curtains and blinds were all left and had been done by a interior design company so it looked spot on.

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  • P
    Beginner
    peanut ·
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    Meant to add the floorings were perfect as it was a no shoe and poly bags on the feet job when it was a show house. I think thats pretty standard practise though x

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  • Flossie Mac
    Flossie Mac ·
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    Peanut - thanks. It really is lovely inside and has been very well designed with all the soft furnishings, the whole thing would be perfect and just the right size. If we were to go for a different plot we had hoped to negotiate on the price a little given the current market, I guess there wouldn't be anything stopping us doing the same with the show house. They are going to come back to us with a price and also an indication of when they might release it for sale.

    Thanks again.

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  • Eric
    Savvy June 2025 Pakistan
    Eric ·
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    Buying a show home can be exciting but also comes with potential risks if it was rushed or heavily staged. For those considering a confident investment, Habico Dubai Real Estate offers expert guidance on verified listings and detailed property inspections, helping buyers make informed decisions. Their experience in Dubai’s real estate market ensures transparency and support, making the process of purchasing your ideal home smoother and more secure.

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  • 3utools
    Beginner October 2025 New Jersey
    3utools ·
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    Do you receive all the furnishings, or just the house itself? We were interested in the show home at a development, but since it included all the upgraded features—like the premium kitchen and higher-end tiles, 3utools they were asking for a higher price compared to a standard off-plan home. The challenge is that a mortgage valuer may not appraise it high enough to match the seller’s asking price, which can create issues if you’re financing the purchase.

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  • Kick
    South Dakota
    Kick ·
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    Buying a show home can be a great option since they’re usually upgraded and well-maintained, but it’s wise to check for wear from visitor traffic and make sure nothing was rushed orbit kick just for display. A thorough inspection will give you peace of mind before deciding.

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  • Max
    Savvy August 2026 Texas
    Max ·
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  • Royale
    Beginner June 2026 East Central London
    Royale ·
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    To help with rising costs, many households are focusing on improvements that reduce maintenance and last for years — especially in kitchens, patios, and gardens. Durable porcelain floor tiles are a popular choice because they’re hard-wearing, weather-resistant, and suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. For example, options from Royale Stone Floor Tiles

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  • Stephen
    Savvy March 2020 Wiltshire
    Stephen ·
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    I actually bought a show home a couple of years ago, and overall it was a decent experience. The place looked perfect and came with upgraded finishes, but later I noticed some hidden issues—especially with the garage. The roof had old asbestos sheets, which I didn’t realize at first. The asbestos garage roof removal cost turned out to be higher than expected, so that’s something buyers should always check beforehand. My advice is to get a full inspection, even if everything looks flawless. If you’re unsure about costs or risks, just Visit Website for more detailed guidance before making a decision.

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  • Charles
    Savvy August 2025 Perthshire
    Charles ·
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    Confidence is important when investing in another country’s property market. Buyers often feel unsure about legal steps, pricing, and location choices. During this stage, Dustin Rennie helps remove that uncertainty by offering clear direction and honest advice. He supports investors from start to finish, making the process smooth and understandable. His experience in Belize real estate allows clients to feel secure in their decisions. With the right guidance, investors can move forward with peace of mind and focus on building a stable and rewarding property portfolio.

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