House Buying Process FAQs
Can we reserve a property before it is released for sale?
No, you cannot reserve a property before it is released for sale. However you can advise our sales team of your interest in a particular plot. We can then let you know once the plot is released for sale.
Do you offer assisted move packages?
We do have an assisted move package which is available on some of our developments. Please visit the sales centre on your development of interest for more details.
Do you offer Part Exchange?
Yes we do on selected plots and developments. Swap your old house for a brand new Miller home with our Part Exchange scheme and take the uncertainty and stress out of moving. There's no chain, or any estate agent fees and you’ll receive a fair offer based on independent valuations.
It really couldn’t be easier, speak to one of our experienced sales team to see if the plot you are interested in is included in the Part Exchange scheme.
How do I reserve a new home?
Speak to our experienced sales team at the development you are interested in purchasing a property on. They will confirm the price of the property and advise whether it is still available for purchase. They will ask you a few questions to ensure you are in a position to reserve a property.
You can reserve your new home by meeting with one of our Development Sales Managers, completing a reservation agreement and paying a reservation fee, which reserves your new home.
During this reserved period your new home will be withdrawn from sale and it will not be subject to any price increases. We will then ask you to exchange contracts and pay a deposit on exchange (usually 8 weeks after reservation). This reservation fee and deposit are then deducted from the price of your home.
You can also complete a Pre-reservation or an Online Pre-reservation which means we will hold your home for 72 hours, in which we will be in touch to discuss how to progress your reservation.
Meeting deadlines:
If you have any problems meeting deadlines please inform us immediately. We will do our utmost to accommodate delays but regrettably we may have to put your home back on the market if you are unable to meet your exchange deadline. However we can sometimes arrange for you to have first choice of future releases.
How long will our property be reserved for?
The property will normally be reserved for 8 weeks as this is when conclusion of missives / contract exchange is expected to take place.
How much money is required as a reservation fee?
We usually require £250 as a reservation fee for properties up to £150,000 and £500 as a reservation fee for properties priced between £150,001 to £499,999. We ask for a £1,000 reservation fee for properties £500,000 and above.
How much of a deposit will I have to pay?
You are expected to pay a deposit when you missive/exchange contracts on the property (usually 8 weeks after reservation). The deposit will vary, it is usually between £1,000 and £2,000 in Scotland and approximately 5% of the property value in England.
Is my reservation fee refundable?
Yes, you may cancel your Reservation Agreement within 14 calendar days of reservation and we will refund the Reservation Fee in full and without deduction.
If you cancel your Reservation Agreement after the 14 day cooling off period we will refund the Reservation Fee less any reasonable administrative and other costs incurred by us in processing and holding the plot under reservation, which we expect to be £250.
Is there a waiting list for each plot / development?
Our sales team usually holds a list of customers who are interested in particular plots so that all parties are informed when the plot is released for sale.
You can also sign up for automatic updates by either push notification from the My Miller Home app, SMS or email by registering your details on our website or app, or by calling our sales team at your development of interest.
What documentation do I need to provide to make a reservation
You will need to have a valid passport or photo driving licence to complete your anti-money laundering check before you attend your reservation and welcome meeting to allow us to progress your reservation. Your Development Sales Manager will send you a link to complete your checks online prior to the meeting.
If you do not have a valid passport or photo driving licence please speak to your Development Sales Manager who can advise you on alternatives.
What is the earliest date you can reserve a property?
The earliest date you can reserve a property is when it is first released for sale. Our sales team can keep you informed of plot release dates.
What security packages are available?
The security packages vary on each development, details of these will be in your development sales brochure. Please ask our sales team for further information on burglar alarms etc.
When should I insure my new home?
Your new home is insured by Miller Homes until the moment of legal completion. From then on you are responsible for the insurance of both the buildings and its contents.
Your mortgage lender will insist on building insurance. They may recommend an insurer but you should also be able to shop around for the best deals - please check with your lender on the type and amount of cover required.
Contents insurance can in many cases be included within the building insurance policy. However you can have separate insurance providers for buildings and contents. It is your choice whether to insure your contents or not.
What is the Home Check?
A Home check meeting usually takes place a couple of weeks before you get the keys to your new home. You may wish to employ a qualified inspector to attend the meeting with you, or on your behalf, to inspect your home using a checklist provided by the New Homes Quality Code and raise any points identified with the Site Team. Your Development Sales Manager can provide you with more information about the meeting.
Will I get a Home Check?
If you reserved your home after 3rd January 2023, your home buying journey will include a Home Check meeting because your reservation is covered by the New Homes Quality Code.
Reservations prior to 3rd January 2023 are covered by the Consumer Code. Although you won’t attend a Home Check meeting, these homes still receive the same stringent checks and the opportunity to view your home at your Home Demonstration prior to getting your keys.