Clonee, Co Meath

sharan89

I recently attempted to purchase a property in Clonee, Co Meath, and wanted to share my experience for the benefit of others considering a similar process.

Over several months, I was in discussions with the builder regarding the purchase. At one stage, I requested to view the property again before signing contracts, but I was informed that further visits would not be allowed until after the contracts were signed.

Before proceeding, my solicitor advised me to arrange a survey of the property. However, as this was a new build, the builder stated via WhatsApp that the property was only ready for a pre-snag inspection, not a full survey. Based on this information, I scheduled a snagging inspection at a cost of €240. Upon arrival, the surveyor found that the property was still incomplete, with several key elements, such as doors, plumbing, and electrical fittings, yet to be installed.

Following this, I inquired about the possibility of reimbursement for the snagging cost, given that the property was not as ready as I had been led to believe. Unfortunately, this request led to a strong response, and I was informed that my deposit could be returned if I did not withdraw the request. Additionally, the prior message confirming the property's readiness for snagging was later denied.

After reflecting on these challenges, I decided that withdrawing from the purchase was the best option for me. I then requested a refund of my deposit. It has been over a week, I have not received my deposit yet. However, even after this decision, I was advised to be cautious about discussing my experience publicly.

Advice for Prospective Buyers
Based on my experience, I would encourage anyone considering a new build purchase to ensure that all key details, including site visits and readiness for inspections, are clearly confirmed in writing. Having thorough documentation can help avoid misunderstandings and ensure a smoother process.